The molecular signature and regulatory network of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells as a niche for hematopoietic stem and progenitors

UC-MSCs have been classified as an alternative niche for expanding HSPCs. However, inconsistent outcomes in hematopoietic recovery and the shift toward specific lineage differentiation were observed following co-cultures. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanisms and regulatory roles of UC-MSCs during hematopoiesis have not been fully understood. The co-cultures of UC-MSCs UCB-CD34+ cells were established. Integrative transcriptomic analysis of UC-MSCs collected on day 3 of co-cultures has highlighted the molecular signature and comprehensive regulatory networks. The lncRNA-RNA binding protein interaction network and lncRNA cis- and trans-regulation networks were evident. The 3 gene modules and 10 hub genes were identified in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, including RPS16, CD74, RPL35, COX7C, RPL38, RPS28, RPS27, RPS10, TARDBP, and TOMM7. These have shed light on niche activity of UC-MSCs in regulation of cell differentiation, genomic stability, and hematopoietic supportive during co-culture with HSPCs. RNA-seq profiles of human UC-MSCs co-culture with UCB-CD34+ cells on day 3 and human UC-MSCs culture in medium alone.