Project description:Using high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing, we systematically characterized hepatocyte adaptations in mice across pregnancy and postpartum stages. We discovered a cyclical hepatocyte trajectory (“pregnancy clock”) governing metabolic changes during gestation and postpartum recovery, which reverted to pregestational states in non-lactating mice. Lactation induced a distinct branching trajectory characterized by elevated lipid synthesis and export. Deletion of gp130 disrupted hepatic adaptations during pregnancy, impairing fetal growth, whereas ACSS2 deficiency postpartum disrupted lipid export, affecting milk quality and offspring growth.

2025-09-02 | GSE294859 | GEO

Distinct hepatocyte adaptations during gestation and lactation [pregnant_liver_mm10]

2025-09-02 | GSE294857 | GEO

Distinct hepatocyte adaptations during gestation and lactation [pregnant_liver_mm10_nuclei]

2025-09-02 | GSE294860 | GEO

Distinct hepatocyte adaptations during gestation and lactation [pregnant_liver_mm10_10x]

Project description:The liver undergoes adaptive changes during pregnancy and lactation to meet specific physiological demands, but the precise processes, regulatory mechanisms, and functions remain unclear. Using high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we comprehensively analyzed hepatocyte adaptations in mice throughout these periods. Our findings revealed a circular trajectory, termed the “pregnancy clock”, during gestation and non-lactating postpartum phases, reverting to the pre-gestation state after recovery. In contrast, lactation induced a distinct branching pathway, characterized by increased fatty acid synthesis and lipid accumulation. Deletion of Gp130 in the JAK/STAT pathway disrupted gestation transitions, leading to delayed embryonic development, while ACSS2 ablation impaired postpartum lipid metabolism, affecting milk quality and offspring growth. Comparative analysis with sheep demonstrated conserved hepatocyte adaptation pathways despite species-specific genetic regulatory networks. These insights offer potential targets for therapeutic interventions to optimize maternal and fetal health and enhance lactation efficiency, with broad implications for reproductive biology and livestock management.

2025-09-02 | GSE272944 | GEO

Distinct hepatocyte adaptations during gestation and lactation [sheep_SmartSeq3]

2025-09-02 | GSE272943 | GEO