Molecular Heterogeneity of Quiescent Melanocyte Stem Cells Revealed by Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing

Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on KIT+/CD45- cells isolated from the telogen skin of adult female C57BL/6J mice, researchers have provided a detailed transcriptional profile of quiescent melanocyte stem cells (qMcSCs). The study confirmed known molecular signatures of qMcSC subpopulations and discovered new ones, including two with different immune privilege statuses. It also predicted the differentiation potential and quiescence depth within these subpopulations. The findings reveal that qMcSCs are a heterogeneous group, suggesting that future research should account for changes in subpopulation composition. This high-resolution map of qMcSCs during quiescence contributes to our understanding of stem cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for studying cellular quiescence in stem cells in general and melanocyte stem cells in particular.