Skeletal stem/progenitor cells in periosteum and skeletal muscle share a common molecular response to bone injury

Periosteum is a major source of skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) during bone repair. However, the cellular composition of the periosteum is poorly characterized. Here, we provide single-cell RNAseq data of periosteal cells isolated by explant culture at steady state and at day 3 post-tibial fracture. We found that periosteal cell populations are heterogeneous containing several sub-populations of SSPCs. Upon fracture, SSPCs are activated by leaving their mesenchymal state, and engaging into fibrogenesis prior to chondrogenesis. Overall design: Periosteal cells from Prx1Cre;mTmG mice were isolated by explant culture without expansion. Periosteal cells at P0 were directly used for single cell RNAseq analyses.