Multilineage origins of lymphatic muscle cells with transcriptional parallels to venous smooth muscle

Lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) have distinct contractility compared to vascular smooth muscle cells covering blood vessels (SMCs). Additionally, we found LMC and SMC populations to be partially derived from WT1-expressing progenitors. To learn more about the potential differences between WT1-derived cells and their counterparts, as well as the potential differences between LMCs and SMCs, we performed scRNAseq on popliteal lymphatics and veins of WT1 reporter mice. Popliteal lymphatic vessels and vein were specifically isolated by a surgical method.