Generation of a Single-Cell RNAseq Atlas of Murine Salivary Gland Development.

Understanding the dynamic transcriptional landscape throughout organ development will provide a template for regenerative therapies. Here, we generated a single-cell RNA sequencing atlas of murine submandibular glands identifying transcriptional profiles that revealed cellular heterogeneity during landmark developmental events: end bud formation, branching morphogenesis, cytodifferentiation, maturation, and homeostasis. Trajectory inference analysis suggests plasticity among acinar and duct populations. We identify transcription factors correlated with acinar differentiation including Spdef, Etv1 , and Xbp1 , and loss of Ybx1 , Eno1, Sox11, and Atf4 . Furthermore, we characterize two intercalated duct populations defined by either Gfra3 and Kit , or Gstt1 . This atlas can be used to investigate specific cell functions and comparative studies predicting common mechanisms involved in development of branching organs.
Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.