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High-resolution spatial transcriptomics and cell lineage analysis reveal spatiotemporal cell fate determination
Jifan Feng1, Eva Janečková1, Tingwei Guo1
1Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 90033, USA.
Nature Communications
|May 12, 2025
Summary
Cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) differentiate into mesenchymal lineages for craniofacial development. This study maps CNCC-derived mesenchymal diversification during mouse palate development, revealing early lineage establishment before palatogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) are vital for forming craniofacial structures.
- Understanding mesenchymal lineage diversification is key to comprehending craniofacial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a high-resolution spatiotemporal atlas of CNCC-derived mesenchymal lineage diversification during mouse palatogenesis.
- To define mesenchymal cell types and map their spatial and transcriptomic identities.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution spatiotemporal transcriptomics.
- Spatial mapping of transcriptomic profiles.
- In vivo lineage tracing using early lineage-specific markers.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive atlas of CNCC-derived mesenchymal lineage diversification during mouse palatogenesis was generated.
- Mesenchymal lineage establishment was identified at or prior to palatogenesis initiation.
- A heterogeneous Sox9+ mesenchymal progenitor population with early lineage-specific markers was discovered.
Conclusions:
- Distinct mesenchymal populations are established early, preceding palatal development.
- This study provides insights into cell fate regulation during embryogenesis.
- The findings reveal the dynamic molecular and cellular landscape of palate development.
