GSE120678
Mesenchymal precursor cells in adult nerves contribute to mammalian tissue repair and regeneration
Peripheral innervation plays an important role in regulating tissue repair and   regeneration. Here, we provide evidence that injured peripheral nerves provide a   reservoir of mesenchymal precursor cells that can directly contribute to murine digit tip   regeneration and skin repair. In particular, using single-cell RNA sequencing and   lineage tracing we identify transcriptionally-distinct mesenchymal cell populations   within the control and injured adult nerve, including neural crest-derived cells in the   endoneurium with characteristics of mesenchymal precursor cells. Culture and   transplantation studies show that these nerve-derived mesenchymal cells have the   potential to differentiate into non-nerve lineages. Moreover, following digit tip   amputation, the neural crest-derived nerve mesenchymal cells contribute to the   regenerative blastema and ultimately to the regenerated bone. Similarly, neural crest derived   nerve mesenchymal cells contribute to the dermis during skin wound healing.   These findings support a model where peripheral nerves directly contribute   mesenchymal precursor cells to promote repair and regeneration of injured mammalian   tissues. Overall design: We have applied the high-throughput single-cell mRNA sequencing technique, Drop seq, to the sciatic nerves of adult CD1 and C57BL/6 mice. Processed data for 3 samples are included: 2 injured nerve and one uninjured nerve sample (predicted mesenchymal cells only).