Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Functionally Distinct Classes within the Planarian Stem Cell Compartment

Planarians are flatworms capable of regenerating any missing body region. This capacity is mediated by neoblasts, a proliferative cell population that contains pluripotent stem cells. Although population-based studies have revealed many neoblast characteristics, whether functionally distinct classes exist within this population is unclear. Here, we used high-dimensional single-cell transcriptional profiling from over a thousand individual neoblasts to directly compare gene expression fingerprints during homeostasis and regeneration. We identified two prominent neoblast classes that we named ζ (zeta) and σ (sigma). Zeta-neoblasts encompass specified cells that give rise to an abundant postmitotic lineage, including epidermal cells, and are not required for regeneration. By contrast, sigma-neoblasts proliferate in response to injury, possess broad lineage capacity, and can give rise to zeta-neoblasts. These findings indicate that planarian neoblasts comprise two major and functionally distinct cellular compartments. [Display omitted] •Neoblasts, planarian regenerative cells, comprise large distinct cellular classes•ζ-class neoblasts are lineage-specified precursors that give rise to epidermis•σ-class neoblasts collectively possess many stem cell-like features Using single-cell transcriptional profiling, van Wolfswinkel et al. identify and characterize two prominent types of neoblasts with distinct regenerative properties, changing the prevailing view on planarian stem cells.