Deciphering the Formation and Fate of Hybrid Cells in Zebrafish Axial Mesoderm: Insights from klf17 Mutant Studies

Authors

• G Park
• A Modak
• C Chen
• P Capar
• J Farrell

Abstract

During development, gene expression of only one fate is typically activated per cell. However, some cells have a “hybrid” state where they express genes of multiple cell types. Axial mesoderm hybrid cells express both notochord and prechordal plate (PPL) specific genes, the two domains derived from the axial mesoderm. Our previous work shows some hybrid cells differentiate into hatching gland (HG) cells, the final fate of PPL cells, albeit delayed compared to non-hybrid PPL cells. To uncover the mechanisms behind the delay, we made mutants of transcription factor klf17, whose expression is also delayed in hybrid cells. A single-cell RNA-seq comparison between the klf17 mutant and wild-type animals showed PPL cells in the klf17 mutant exhibited persistent expression of early PPL genes, implicating the role of klf17 in hybrid cell resolution. Future similar analysis of other potential regulatory genes involved in hybrid cell resolution will further elucidate the mechanism of hybrid cell differentiation.

Scientific Focus Area: Developmental Biology

This page was last updated on Tuesday, August 6, 2024