Comparison of transcriptomic between human amniotic epithelial stem cells and keratinocytes

Amniotic epithelial stem cells (AESCs) are considered potential alternatives for keratinocytes (KCs) in tissue-engineered skin substitutes. However, their clinical application to skin regeneration is hindered as AESCs and KCs are not identical. Herein, transcriptomics analysis were used to understand the commonalities and differences between human AESCs and KCs. RNA-sequencing revealed that AESCs are involved in multiple epidermis-associated biological processes, which are shared by KCs, and show more similarity to early-stage immature KCs than adult KCs. However, AESCs were heterogeneous, and some possessed hybrid mesenchymal and epithelial features distinct from KCs. Thus, although AESCs and KCs are highly similar, their differences need to be addressed to modulate the cell fate of human AESCs to be applicable in skin regeneration. RNA sequencing of human AESCs, KCs, and fibroblasts.