Protocol to analyze and validate transcriptomic changes in PDGFRβ-KO mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic potential in the mouse embryo

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts under appropriate conditions. PDGFRβ signaling controls MSC osteogenic potential both transcriptomically and in culture. Here, we present a “computer to the bench” protocol to analyze changes in MSC osteogenic potential at transcriptomic and cellular level in the absence of PDGFRβ. We detail the preparation of cells from mouse embryos, the analysis of transcriptomic changes from single-cell RNA-sequencing data, the procedure for MSC derivation and culture, and an osteogenic assay for functional validation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sá da Bandeira et al. (2022).(1

PDGFRβ+ cells play a dual role as hematopoietic precursors and niche cells during mouse ontogeny

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) generation in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros region requires HSC specification signals from the surrounding microenvironment. In zebrafish, PDGF-B/PDGFR beta signaling controls hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) generation and is required in the HSC specification niche. Little is known about murine HSPC specification in vivo and whether PDGF-B/PDGFR beta is involved. Here, we show that PDGFR beta is expressed in distinct perivascular stromal cell layers surrounding the mid-gestation dorsal aorta, and its deletion impairs hematopoiesis. We demonstrate that PDGFR beta(+) cells play a dual role in murine hematopoiesis. They act in the aortic niche to support HSPCs, and in addition, PDGFR beta(+) embryonic precursors give rise to a subset of HSPCs that persist into adulthood. These findings provide crucial information for the controlled production of HSPCs in vitro