Quiescent pluripotent stem cells reside within murine peripheral nerves that can be stimulated to proliferate by recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 or by nerve trauma

Exposure to BMP-2 causes a marked proliferation of previously quiescent cells within peripheral nerves. These cells simultaneously express KLF4, Sox2, Oct4, and c-Myc, the transcription factors that confer embryonic pluripotency. Work described in the companion paper reveals some of the differentiation capacity of the cells and their likely clinical significance. In addition, the effects of direct exposure of nerves to rhBMP-2 as described here should clearly illuminate the mechanism of BMP-2-related nerve complications. We would suggest that the use of this agent in proximity to known neural structures should only be done with extreme caution.