Single-cell RNA-seq in a comparative primate skeletal cell culture model [1]

We evaluated the degree to which gene expression patterns in primate skeletal cells differ across cell types and species. First, we optimized differentiation protocols of human and chimpanzee iPSCs through an intermediate MSC state and into chondrogenic or osteogenic cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing was collected from each stage of differentiation (iPSCs, MSCs, chondrogenic cells, and osteogenic cells) using the 10X Genomics platform to characterize gene expression variation. Overall design: One human iPSC line (H23555) and one chimpanzee iPSC line (C8861) were differentiated into MSCs, chondrogenic cells, and osteogenic cells.