Sequential emergence and contraction of epithelial subtypes in the prenatal human choroid plexus revealed by a stem cell model

Abstract Despite the major roles of choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) in brain homeostasis and repair, their developmental lineage and diversity remain undefined. In simplified differentiations from human pluripotent stem cells, derived CPECs (dCPECs) display canonical properties and dynamic m...

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Main Authors: Haley Masters, Shuxiong Wang, Christina Tu, Quy Nguyen, Yutong Sha, Matthew K. Karikomi, Pamela Shi Ru Fung, Benjamin Tran, Cristina Martel, Nellie Kwang, Michael Neel, Olga G. Jaime, Victoria Espericueta, Brett A. Johnson, Kai Kessenbrock, Qing Nie, Edwin S. Monuki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60361-9
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Summary:Abstract Despite the major roles of choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) in brain homeostasis and repair, their developmental lineage and diversity remain undefined. In simplified differentiations from human pluripotent stem cells, derived CPECs (dCPECs) display canonical properties and dynamic motile multiciliated phenotypes that interact with Aβ uptake. Single dCPEC transcriptomes over time correlate well with human organoid and fetal CPECs, while pseudotemporal and cell cycle analyses highlight the direct CPEC origin from neuroepithelial cells. In addition, time series analyses define metabolic (type 1) and ciliogenic dCPECs (type 2) at early timepoints, followed by type 1 diversification into anabolic-secretory (type 1a) and catabolic-absorptive subtypes (type 1b) as type 2 cells contract. These temporal patterns are then confirmed in independent derivations and mapped to prenatal stages using human tissues. In addition to defining the prenatal lineage of human CPECs, these findings suggest dynamic models of ChP support for the developing human brain.
ISSN:2041-1723