Single nucleus multi-omics regulatory atlas of the murine pituitary [snRNA-seq ]

The pituitary regulates growth, reproduction and other endocrine systems. To investigate transcriptional network epigenetic mechanisms in this gland, we generated paired single nucleus (sn) transcriptome and chromatin accessibility profiles in single mouse pituitaries, and genome-wide sn methylation datasets. Our analysis provided insight into cell type epigenetics, regulatory circuit and gene control mechanisms. Latent variable transcriptome and accessibility data representation resolved both inter-sexual and inter-individual variation in gene control programs. Multi-omics analysis of cell type-specific gene regulatory networks distinguished distinct mechanisms. Particularly, the FoxL2 gonadotrope network is controlled both by FoxL2 expression and by target gene epigenetic status. Co-accessibility analysis comprehensively identified putative regulatory regions, including a region that overlapped the fertility-linked rs11031006 human polymorphism. In vitro CRISPR-deletion at this locus increased Fshb levels, supporting this domain’s predicted regulatory role. The public pituitary atlas [link] is a resource for elucidating cell-type specific gene regulatory mechanisms and principles of transcription circuit control.