Next-generation sequencing protocol of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Step-by-step overview and troubleshooting guide.

Jarczak, Justyna; Bujko, Kamila; Brzeźniakiewicz-Janus, Katarzyna; Ratajczak, Mariusz; Kucia, Magdalena · PLoS One · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Populations of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) (CD34+lin-CD45- and CD133+lin-CD45-), circulating in the peripheral blood of adults in small numbers, have been identified in several human tissues and together with the populations of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) (CD34+lin-CD45+) and CD133+lin-CD45+constitute a pool of cells with self-renewal and pluripotent stem cell characteristics. Using advanced cell staining and sorting strategies, we isolated populations of VSELs and HSCs for bulk RNA-Seq analysis to compare the transcriptomic profiles of both cell populations. Libraries were prepared from an extremely small number of cells; however, their good quality was preserved, and they met the criteria for sequencing. We present here a step-by-step NGS protocol for sequencing VSELs and HSC with a description of troubleshooting during library preparation and sequencing.

Medical subject headings