Single-Cell Characterization of the Frizzled 5 (Fz5) Mutant Mouse and Human Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV)

ABSTRACT: During early development, a transitory fetal vasculature of the vitreous hyaloid vessels (HV) provides temporary nutrients for the developing lens and retina. HV regresses when the intraretinal vasculature develops to replace its function. Failure in regression of the HV leads to persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), a pathological condition accounting for 4.8% children blindness in the USA. To date, the HV formation and regression as well as the related PFV pathogenesis are largely unknown. In this study, by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) the vitreous cells derived from normal and the Fzd5 mutant mice at two time points, postnatal day 3 (P3) and P6, we collectively defined 10 major cell types, present in both wild type and mutant developing vitreous but with much higher numbers of endothelial cells, macrophages, erythroid-like cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts and melanocytes in the P3 mutants. Both mutant and wild type cell types declined to similar sizes at P6 with varied compositions of sub clusters. We further compared gene expression profiles of residual major sub clusters at P6, and showed altered metabolic activities of the mutant cells. Additionally, two macrophage clusters expressed markers for hyalocytes supporting the notion that these cells are of macrophage origin. The melanocytes predominantly existed in the Fzd5 mutants expressing neural crest markers including Pax3 and Sox10, similar to that of choroidal pigment cells. Taken together, these data revealed cell features of normal and pathological hyaloid tissues, which has not been known precedentially.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE203116 | GEO | 2023/05/31

REPOSITORIES: GEO