Integrating single-cell imaging and RNA sequencing datasets links differentiation and morphogenetic dynamics of human pancreatic endocrine progenitors

• DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.019
• Publication Date: 2023-08-16T14:38:22Z
• Authors: Belin Selcen Beyd...; Joyson Verner D’C...; Lena Hersemann; Byung Ho Lee; Federica Luppino; Yung Hae Kim; Christoph Zechner; Anne Grapin-Botton
• Keywords: Enteroendocrine cell; Developmental Biology

Basic helix-loop-helix genes, particularly proneural are well-described triggers of cell differentiation, yet information on their dynamics is limited, notably in human development. Here, we focus Neurogenin 3 (NEUROG3), which crucial for pancreatic endocrine lineage initiation. By monitoring both NEUROG3 gene expression and protein single cells using a knockin dual reporter 2D 3D models pancreas development, show an approximately 2-fold slower than that the mouse. We observe heterogeneous peak levels reveal through long-term live imaging low high can trigger differentiation into hormone-expressing cells. Based fluorescence intensity, statistically integrate single-cell transcriptome with dynamic behaviors propose data-mapping methodology applicable to other contexts. Using this methodology, identify role KLK12 motility at onset expression.