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Single-cell sequencing advances in research on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

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Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), originating from the mesoderm, represent a multifunctional stem cell population capable of differentiating into diverse cell types and exhibiting a wide range of biological functions. Despite more than half a century of research, MSCs continue to be among the most extensively studied cell types in clinical research projects globally. However, their significant heterogeneity and phenotypic instability have significantly hindered their exploration and application. Single-cell sequencing technology emerges as a powerful tool to address these challenges, offering precise dissection of complex cellular samples. It uncovers the genetic structure and gene expression status of individual contained cells on a massive scale and reveals the heterogeneity among these cells. It links the molecular characteristics of MSCs with their clinical applications, contributing to the advancement of regenerative medicine. With the development and cost reduction of single-cell analysis techniques, sequencing technology is now widely applied in fundamental research and clinical trials. This study aimed to review the application of single-cell sequencing in MSC research and assess its prospects.

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Funding

This study was supported by grants from Performance-Based Subsidy for the Key Laboratory of Neurobiological Functioning in Hebei Province (20567622H), Medical Science Research Program of Hebei Province (20210526), and Hebei Province Medical Technology Monitoring Program (GZ2023049).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Kailuan General Hospital, Affiliated North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China

    Qingxi Long, Pingshu Zhang, Ya Ou, Wen Li, Qi Yan & Xiaodong Yuan

  2. Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiological Function, Tangshan, 063000, China

    Pingshu Zhang, Ya Ou & Xiaodong Yuan

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  1. Qingxi Long
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  2. Pingshu Zhang
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  3. Ya Ou
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  4. Wen Li
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  5. Qi Yan
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  6. Xiaodong Yuan
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Contributions

Qingxi Long outlined the review, designed the figures, collected the literature, and wrote the manuscript. Xiaodong Yuan, Pingshu Zhang and Ya Ou provided the necessary financial support. Wen Li and Qi Yan coordinated the revision and manuscript preparation. We analyzed the literature. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Xiaodong Yuan.

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Long, Q., Zhang, P., Ou, Y. et al. Single-cell sequencing advances in research on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. Human Cell (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13577-024-01076-9

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