Single-cell Atlas Unveils Cellular Heterogeneity and Novel Markers in Human Neonatal and Adult Intervertebral Discs

The origin, composition, distribution, and function of cells in the human intervertebral disc (IVD) has not been fully understood. Here, cell atlases of both human neonatal and adult IVDs have been generated and further assessed by gene ontology pathway enrichment, pseudo-time trajectory, histology,...

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Published inbioRxiv
Main Authors Jiang, Wensen, Juliane Dagmar Glaeser, Salehi, Khosrowdad, Kaneda, Giselle, Mathkar, Pranav, Wagner, Anton, Ritchie, Ho, Sheyn, Dmitriy
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 21.10.2021
Subjects
Degeneration
Immunofluorescence
Intervertebral discs
Neonates
Nucleus pulposus
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Summary:The origin, composition, distribution, and function of cells in the human intervertebral disc (IVD) has not been fully understood. Here, cell atlases of both human neonatal and adult IVDs have been generated and further assessed by gene ontology pathway enrichment, pseudo-time trajectory, histology, and immunofluorescence. Comparison of cell atlases revealed the presence of several sub-populations of notochordal cells (NC) in the neonatal IVD and a small quantity of NCs and associated markers in the adult IVD. Developmental trajectories predicted that most neonatal NCs develop into adult nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) while some keep their identity throughout adulthood. A high heterogeneity and gradual transition of annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) in the neonatal IVD was detected and their potential relevance in IVD development was assessed. Collectively, comparing single-cell atlases between neonatal and adult IVDs delineates the landscape of IVD cell biology and may help discover novel therapeutic targets for IVD degeneration. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
DOI:10.1101/2021.10.20.465219