Lgr5 and Col22a1 Mark Progenitor Cells in the Lineage toward Juvenile Articular Chondrocytes

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2019Source: Stem Cell ReportsAuthor(s): Chen Feng, Wilson Cheuk Wing Chan, Yan Lam, Xue Wang, Peikai Chen, Ben Niu, Vivian Chor Wing Ng, Jia Chi Yeo, Sigmar Stricker, Kathryn Song Eng Cheah, Manuel Koch, Stefan Mundlos, Huck Hui Ng, Danny ChanSummaryThe synovial joint forms from a pool of progenitor cells in the future region of the joint, the interzone. Expression of Gdf5 and Wnt9a has been used to mark the earliest cellular processes in the formation of the interzone and the progenitor cells. However, lineage specification and progression toward the different tissues of the joint are not well understood. Here, by lineage-tracing studies we identify a population of Lgr5+ interzone cells that contribute to the formation of cruciate ligaments, synovial membrane, and articular chondrocytes of the joint. This finding is supported by single-cell transcriptome analyses. We show that Col22a1, a marker of early articular chondrocytes, is co-expressed with Lgr5+ cells prior to cavitation as an important lineage marker specifying the progression toward articular chondrocytes. Lgr5+ cells contribute to the repair of a joint defect with the re-establishment of a Col22a1-expressing superficial layer.Graphical Abstract
Source: Stem Cell Reports - Category: Stem Cells Source Type: research