Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of five white adipose tissue depots in mice revealed dramatic differences in immune cells and fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells, while adipocytes were conserved.
This study establishes a systematic foundation for understanding the cellular heterogeneity of different white adipose tissue depots, highlighting depot-specific immune and progenitor cell profiles.
Regardless of its anatomical site, adipose tissue shares a common energy-storage role but exhibits distinctive properties. Exploring the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of white adipose tissue (WAT) is crucial for comprehending its function and properties. However, existing single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) studies of adipose tissue heterogeneity have examined only one or two depots. In this study, we employed snRNA-seq to test five representative depots including inguinal, epididymal, mesenteric, perirenal, and pericardial adipose tissues in mice under physiological conditions. By analyzing the contents of main cell categories and gene profiles of various depots, we identified their distinctive physiological properties. Immune cells and fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) showed dramatic differences among WAT depots, while adipocytes seemed to be conserved. The heightened presence of regulatory macrophages and B cells in pericardial adipose tissues implied their potential contribution to the preservation of coronary vascular function. Moreover, the selective aggregation of pericytes within mesenteric adipose tissue was likely associated with the maintenance of intestinal barrier homeostasis. Using a combination of RNA sequencing and snRNA-seq analysis, the major subpopulations of FAPs derived from these depots determined the site characteristics of FAPs to a certain extent. Our work establishes a systematic and reliable foundation for investigating the heterogeneity of WAT depots and elucidating the unique roles these depots play in coordinating the function of adjacent organs.
Xie et al. (Mon,) conducted a other in White adipose tissue heterogeneity. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of five white adipose tissue depots was evaluated on Cellular and molecular heterogeneity (contents of main cell categories and gene profiles). Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of five white adipose tissue depots in mice revealed dramatic differences in immune cells and fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells, while adipocytes were conserved.