Single cell RNA sequencing profile of unique mesenchymal progenitor subsets from the murine brain

The sensitive central nervous system is protected from potentially toxic components in the circulation by a semi-permeable interface, the blood brain barrier (BBB). This barrier is tightly regulated by several stromal cell types, however in certain regions of the brain it requires distinct properties. In particular, two of these regions, the choroid plexus and the pituitary gland are considered differentially permeable compared to other regions. Perivascular mesenchymal progenitors are intimately associated with endothelium and are therefore key participants in the regulation of the BBB. Using a mesenchymal progenitor specific lineage tracing tool, gene expression in this population from the choroid plexus and pituitary gland was profiled at the single cell level to investigate the genetic programs that allow these regions to maintain their respective specific pervious properties. Single cell RNA-seq analyes of mesenchymal progenitors from the choroid plexus and pituitary gland. A lower proportion of other nucleated cell types were included for comparison.