Single cell RNA sequencing shows that cells expressing Sox9 postnatally populate most skeletal lineages in mouse bone.

Smith, Neal P; Janton, Christopher; Alcantara, Ana Clara Morellato; George, Majd; Mankongtreecheep, Kasidet; Mao, Guping; Villani, Alexandra-Chloé; Kronenberg, Henry M · J Bone Miner Res · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

In growing bones of mice, multiple cell types contribute to the osteoblast lineage, including growth plate chondrocytes, perichondrial cells and CXCL12-abundant reticular marrow stromal cells. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing and lineage tracing to show that all these osteoblast precursors, even postnatally, derives from Sox9-expressing progenitors. We also characterize a distinct group of chondrocytes located between the perichondrium and the columns of growth plate chondrocytes that contribute to the osteoblast lineage.

Medical subject headings