RNA-seq analysis of bone marrow stromal and hematopoietic TNCs

Bone marrow stromal cells are commonly defined by CD45–Ter119–CD31– (Triple-negative cells or TNCs). In this study, we show that most TNCs are not labeled by mesenchymal cell genetic labeling models but are derived from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. RNA-Seq analysis of TNCs reveals erythroid and lymphoid progenitor signatures among CD51– TNCs which was confirmed by in vitro culture studies with primary bone marrow stromal cells and by in vivo transplantation experiments. We also show that CD44+CD51– TNCs expands during phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia and in a mouse model of sickle cell disease. These results uncover new classes of stromal-associated hematopoietic progenitors. Overall design: mRNA profiles of sorted CD44+CD51- and CD51+ bone marrow TNCs were generated by illumina HiSeq2500.