Molecular architecture of mesoderm cells across early to middle stage of human embryo development at single-cell resolution

BMC Mol Cell Biol. 2025 Dec 25. doi: 10.1186/s12860-025-00561-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The differentiation of mesodermal cells (MCs) in the early stage of embryonic development contributes to the organogenesis of several core organs. However, the single-cell molecular architecture of MCs and the key molecular events during the differentiation remain unclear.

METHODS: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA sequencing) and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (ATAC-Seq) to analyze the developmental features of MCs to heart, kidney, spleen, liver, and brain in human embryos at gestational ages 7-17 weeks.

RESULTS: We found that EGR1 might be relevant to the differentiation of heterogeneous MC sub-clusters. Meanwhile, RPL10P9⁺PTMAP5⁺ MCs had the closest expression profiling with endocardial cells. NDUFA4L2⁺A2M⁺ MCs presented the potentials to form endothelial cells (ECs) and hematopoietic stem cells, and MEF2C might be involved in this process.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insights into the molecular architecture and lineage progression of MCs during early human embryonic organogenesis, offering a valuable reference for regenerative medicine and organ bioengineering.

PMID:41449385 | DOI:10.1186/s12860-025-00561-9