Characterizing progenitor cells in developing and injured spinal cord: Insights from single-nucleus transcriptomics and lineage tracing

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413140122
• Publication Date: 2025-01-06T20:03:02Z
• Authors: Qi Zhang; Xianming Wu; Yongheng Fan; Haipeng Zhang; Man Yin; Xiaoyu Xue; Yanyun Yin; Chen Jin; Rui Quan; Peipei Jiang; Yongguang Liu; Cheng Yu; Wenhao Kuang; Bing Chen; Jiayin Li; Zhong Chen; Yali Hu; Zhifeng Xiao; Yannan Zhao; Jianwu Dai
• Keywords: Ependymal Cell; Progenitor; Lineage (genetic)

Various mature tissue-resident cells exhibit progenitor characteristics following injury. However, the existence of endogenous stem with multiple lineage potentials in adult spinal cord remains a compelling area research. In this study, we present cross-species investigation that extends from development to We used single-nucleus transcriptomic sequencing and genetic tracing characterize neural cord. Our findings show ciliated ependymal lose gene signatures proliferation ability differentiation NPCs within ventricular zone. By combining transcriptome datasets rhesus macaque injury (SCI) model developmental human datasets, revealed respond minimally cannot revert state. Intriguingly, observed astrocytes transdifferentiating into oligodendrocytes postinjury through experiments. Further analysis identifies an intermediate-state glial cell population expressing both astrocyte oligodendrocyte feature genes cords. The transition ratio increased after remodeling microenvironment by functional scaffolds. Overall, our results highlight remarkable multilineage potential