Single-Cell RNA-Seq Highlights Heterogeneity in Human Primary Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Cultured In Vitro

The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the heterogeneity of human primary Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (WJMSCs) cultured in vitro, analyzing 6,878 cells. It identified several distinct subpopulations with diverse functional characteristics, such as proliferation, development, and inflammation response. The research found a large overlap in highly variable genes (HVGs) between WJMSCs and adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs), suggesting shared functional enrichment. These HVGs were linked to classic MSC functions and could serve as candidate markers for further studies on MSC potency and therapeutic applications, including wound healing and hair regrowth. The study underscored the importance of understanding MSC heterogeneity to enhance cell isolation, expansion methods, and clinical efficacy of MSC-based therapies.