Dynamics of lineage commitment revealed by single-cell transcriptomics of differentiating embryonic stem cells
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ABSTRACT: Gene expression heterogeneity in the pluripotent state of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) has been increasingly well-characterized. In contrast, exit from pluripotency and lineage commitment have not been studied systematically at the single-cell level. Here we measured the gene expression dynamics of retinoic acid driven mESC differentiation using an unbiased single-cell transcriptomics approach. We found that the exit from pluripotency marks the start of a lineage bifurcation as well as a transient phase of susceptibility to lineage specifying signals. Our study revealed several transcriptional signatures of this phase, including a sharp increase of gene expression variability and a handover between two classes of transcription factors. In summary, we provide a comprehensive analysis of lineage commitment at the single cell level, a potential stepping stone to improved lineage control through timing of differentiation cues.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE79578 | GEO | 2017/10/23
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA316219
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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