Single-cell transcriptomic landscape of human blood cells.
Xiaowei Xie1, Mengyao Liu1, Yawen Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology and National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China.
National Science Review
|October 25, 2021
Summary
Researchers created a comprehensive single-cell transcriptional atlas of human blood cells, identifying novel regulatory elements and potential immune functions in erythrocytes. This atlas serves as a vital reference for hematopoiesis research.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Hematopoiesis research benefits from single-cell RNA sequencing.
- A comprehensive human blood cell transcriptome reference is currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a single-cell transcriptional atlas of human blood cells.
- To identify novel regulatory elements and cell functions in hematopoiesis.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing of 7551 human blood cells from 21 healthy donors.
- Profiling of protein-coding genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).
- Construction of the blood cell transcriptional atlas (ABC).
Main Results:
- A high-consistency atlas integrating protein-coding genes and lncRNAs was built.
- Novel lncRNAs and transcription factors regulating hematopoietic differentiation were identified.
- Distinct regulatory network dynamics were observed in neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphoid cells.
- A subset of nucleated erythrocytes expressing immune signals was discovered, suggesting immune functions.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a high-resolution transcriptional map of human blood cells.
- The blood cell transcriptional atlas (ABC) serves as a comprehensive reference for hematopoiesis.
- Identified regulatory networks and erythrocyte immune functions offer new avenues for research.
