Rationale: CD34+ cells are believed being progenitors that may be used to treat cardiovascular disease. However, the exact identity and the role of CD34+ cells in physiological and pathological conditions remain unclear.
Methods: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to provide a cell atlas of normal tissue/organ and pathological conditions. Furthermore, a genetic lineage tracing mouse model was used to investigate the role of CD34+ cells in angiogenesis and organ fibrosis.
Results: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed a heterogeneous population of CD34+ cells in both physiological and pathological conditions. Using a genetic lineage tracing mouse model, we showed that CD34+ cells not only acquired endothelial cell fate involved in angiogenesis, but also, CD34+ cells expressing Pi16 may transform into myofibroblast and thus participate in organ fibrosis.
Conclusion: A heterogeneous CD34+ cells serve as a contributor not only to endothelial regeneration but also a wound healing response that may provide therapeutic insights into fibrosis.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; CD34+ cells; Fibroblasts; Fibrosis.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.