STOmics technology:BGI Stereomics Stereo-Seq

Data type:Spatial transcriptomics

Sample scope:Monoisolate

Summary:The plasticity of pituitary hormone production regulates the neuroendocrine adaptation of puberty, reproduction and homeostatic metabolism. However, the anatomical structures, functional cell populations and regulatory networks in the adult pituitary are still not fully elucidated. Here, we integrate omics data of the single-nucleus RNA and ATAC sequencing, high-resolution spatial transcriptomics, and metabolomics to investigate the molecular features of cell diversity and plasticity in anterior pituitaries from adult human, monkey and mouse. Our results reveal the comprehensive cell composition, novel anatomical and molecular features of hormonal cells, stromal cells, stem and progenitor cells. Analysis of differentially expressed genes along pseudotime trajectory, RNA velocity and transcription factor activity unveil the critical regulatory network for cell fate determination and functions, including Axon guidance and Hippo pathways. The importance of endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response in the regulation of hormone production and oxidative stress is identified. Consistently, enrichment of potent antioxidants such as spermine and glutathione are detected in mouse hormonal cells. Furthermore, the putative receptor-ligand interactions reveal regulatory relationships between diverse cells, suggesting the pituitary stem cell niche comprising stromal cells expressing extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors. Our findings systematically illustrate the cellular and mechanistic basis of mammalian pituitary plasticity.

Contributor(s):Shang Liu.

Submitter:Shang Liu,BGI

Release date:2024-12-19

Updated:2024-12-19