Spatial heterogeneity and interfacial communication potential of CPTCs across the ventral body wall continuum

Cd34 + Pdgfra + Telocytes (CPTCs) are interstitial stromal cells implicated in long-distance intercellular communication, yet their role in bridging the distinct anatomical layers of the abdominal wall remains undefined. In this study, we combined single-cell RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and sequential co-culture assays to characterize CPTCs across the skin, superficial fascia (SF), and deep fascia (DF). We identified layer-associated CPTC states accompanied by distinct computationally inferred TF-regulatory programs and recurring enrichment of adhesion-related functional categories. Notably, SF-CPTCs exhibited relatively high inferred state flexibility and occupied a prominent position in the predicted interlayer communication network. CellCall analyses identified Wnt- and Nectin-associated relationships between SF-CPTCs and myogenic or keratinocyte populations. Sequential co-culture experiments showed that prior exposure of SF-CPTCs to selected extracellular cues was associated with changes in target-cell transcripts under in vitro conditions. These findings identify layer-adapted CPTC states and support a candidate interfacial communication role for SF-CPTCs.