Single-cell sequencing of epicardial cells and fibroblasts within the infarcted heart
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ABSTRACT: In the adult heart, the epicardium becomes activated after injury, contributing to cardiac healing by secretion of paracrine factors. Here we analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing combined with RNA in situ hybridization and lineage tracing of WT1+ cells the cellular composition, location, and hierarchy of epicardial stromal cells (EpiSC) in comparison to activated myocardial fibroblasts/stromal cells in infarcted mouse hearts. We identified 11 transcriptionally distinct EpiSC populations, that can be classified in three groups each containing a cluster of proliferating cells. Two groups expressed cardiac specification makers and sarcomeric proteins suggestive of cardiomyogenic potential. Transcripts of HIF-1α and HIF-responsive genes were enriched in EpiSC consistent with the epicardium being a hypoxic niche. Expression of paracrine factors was not limited to WT1+ cells but was a general feature of activated cardiac stromal cells. Our findings provide the cellular framework by which myocardial ischemia may trigger in EpiSC the formation of cardioprotective/regenerative responses.
INSTRUMENT(S): Illumina HiSeq 3000
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
SUBMITTER: Tobias Lautwein
PROVIDER: E-MTAB-10035 | biostudies-arrayexpress |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress
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