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Comprehensive 3D epigenomic maps define limbal stem/progenitor cell function and identity

ABSTRACT: The insights into how genome topology couples with epigenetic states to govern the function and identity of the corneal epithelium are poorly understood. Here, we generate a high-resolution Hi-C interaction map of human limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) and show that chromatin multi-hierarchical organisation is coupled to gene expression. By integrating Hi-C, epigenome and transcriptome data, we characterize the comprehensive 3D epigenomic landscapes of LSCs. We found that super-silencers mediate gene repression associated with corneal development, differentiation and disease via chromatin looping and/or proximity. Super-enhancer (SE) interaction analysis identified a set of SE interactive hubs that contribute to LSC-specific gene activation. These active and inactive element-anchored loop networks occur within the cohesin-occupied CTCF-CTCF loops. We further reveal a coordinated regulatory network of core transcription factors based on SE-promoter interactions. Our results provide detailed insights into the genome organization principle for epigenetic regulation of gene expression in stratified epithelia.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE192625 | GEO | 2022/02/01

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Limbal stem cells (LSCs), known as corneal epithelial stem cells, are located at the basal epithelial layer of the corneal limbus and serve an important function in maintaining the homeostasis of the corneal epithelium. Several putative molecular markers of LSCs have been previously identified. However, the specificity of these markers remains largely controversial. To address this gap in the current understanding of LSCs, we performed a transcriptome profiling of heterogeneous corneal limbal basal cells using single-cell transcriptomics technology to identify LSCs and their exclusive markers. We isolated limbal basal cells from two young donors, constructed scRNA-seq libraries, generated RNA-sequencing data using the 10x Genomics platform, and then finally obtained the transcriptome of about 18,000 individual single-cells using Cell ranger (https://10xgenomics.com). Next, we performed quality control, filtering and data integration using Seurat package (https://satijalab.org/seurat), about 16,400 cells were retained for further downstream analysis such as dimensional reduction, unsupervised clustering, and Differentially expressed gene selection, trajectory analysis and visualization. We identified 11 unique clusters of cells assigned to a putative cell type based on published known biomarkers for differentiation, proliferation and putative epithelial stem cells. As a results, we found 2 Terminally Differentiated Cell (TDC), 3 Post-Mitotic Cell (PMC), 1 Transient Amplifying Cell (TAC), 2 Limbal Progenitor Cell (LPC), Putative Limbal Stem Cell (LSC) and 2 Melanocyte (MC) sub-cell type clusters. Furthermore, we confirmed the trajectory order of LSC differentiation for 9 clusters using Pseudotemporal and Functional PCA analysis. Lastly, we validated each assigned cell subtypes and determined their location in human corneal limbus tissue with 9 markers using RNAscope We were able to reveal the heterogeneity of corneal limbal basal epithelium by defining novel dynamic trajectories for cell types in a pseudotemporal manner. This approach allowed us to identify the distinct clusters of LSCs and progenitors with exclusively expressed markers, and might apply for translational research on regenerating a normal corneal epithelium and restoring vision.

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Comprehensive 3D epigenomic maps define limbal stem/progenitor cell function and identity

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