Reconstructing Lineage Hierarchies of Mouse Uterus Epithelial Development Using Single-Cell Analysis
Authors
Bingbing Wu, Chengrui An, Yu Li, Zi Yin, Lin Gong, Zhenli Li, Yixiao Liu, Boon Chin Heng, Dandan Zhang, Hongwei Ouyang, and Xiaohui Zou
Institution
Zhejiang University
Country
China
Year
2017
Journal
Stem Cell Reports
Abstract
The endometrial layer comprises luminal and glandular epithelia that both develop from the same simple layer of fetal uterine epithelium.
Mechanisms of uterine epithelial progenitor self-renewal and differentiation are unclear. This study aims to systematically analyze
the molecular and cellular mechanisms of uterine epithelial development by single-cell analysis. An integrated set of single-cell transcriptomic
data of uterine epithelial progenitors and their differentiated progenies is provided. Additionally the unique molecular signatures
of these cells, characterized by sequential upregulation of specific epigenetic and metabolic activities, and activation of unique signaling
pathways and transcription factors, were also investigated. Finally a unique subpopulation of early progenitor, as well as differentiated
luminal and glandular lineages, were identified. A complex cellular hierarchy of uterine epithelial development was thus delineated. Our
study therefore systematically decoded molecular markers and a cellular program of uterine epithelial development that sheds light on
uterine developmental biology.