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Identification of HSC/MPP expansion units in fetal liver by single-cell spatiotemporal transcriptomics.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Gao, Suwei 
Zhang, Yifan 
Liang, Guixian 
Kang, Zhixin 

Abstract

Limited knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hematopoietic stem cell and multipotent progenitor (HSC/MPP) expansion within their native niche has impeded the application of stem cell-based therapies for hematological malignancies. Here, we constructed a spatiotemporal transcriptome map of mouse fetal liver (FL) as a platform for hypothesis generation and subsequent experimental validation of novel regulatory mechanisms. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed three transcriptionally heterogeneous HSC/MPP subsets, among which a CD93-enriched subset exhibited enhanced stem cell properties. Moreover, by employing integrative analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we identified novel HSC/MPP 'pocket-like' units (HSC PLUS), composed of niche cells (hepatoblasts, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages) and enriched with growth factors. Unexpectedly, macrophages showed an 11-fold enrichment in the HSC PLUS. Functionally, macrophage-HSC/MPP co-culture assay and candidate molecule testing, respectively, validated the supportive role of macrophages and growth factors (MDK, PTN, and IGFBP5) in HSC/MPP expansion. Finally, cross-species analysis and functional validation showed conserved cell-cell interactions and expansion mechanisms but divergent transcriptome signatures between mouse and human FL HSCs/MPPs. Taken together, these results provide an essential resource for understanding HSC/MPP development in FL, and novel insight into functional HSC/MPP expansion ex vivo.

Description

Keywords

Animals, Endothelial Cells, Hematopoiesis, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Liver, Mice, Transcriptome

Journal Title

Cell Res

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1001-0602
1748-7838

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MC_PC_17230)
Medical Research Council (G0900951)
Medical Research Council (MR/S036113/1)
Medical Research Council (G0900951/1)
National Key Research and Development Program of China