Single cell spatial transcriptomics links Wnt signaling disruption to extracellular matrix development in a cleft palate model

Despite advances in understanding the morphological disruptions that lead to defects in palate formation, the precise perturbations within the signaling microenvironment of palatal clefts remain poorly understood. To explore in greater depth the genomic basis of palatal clefts, we designed and implemented the first single cell spatial RNA-sequencing study in a cleft palate model, utilizing the Pax9−/− murine model at multiple developmental timepoints, which exhibits a consistent cleft palate defect. Visium HD, an emerging platform for true single-cell resolution spatially resolved transcriptomics, was employed using custom bins of 2 × 2 μm spatial gene expression data. Validation of spatial gene expression was then validated using custom designed Xenium In Situ mRNA spatial profiling and RNAscope Multiplex assays. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a palate cell-specific perturbation in Wnt signaling effector function in tandem with disrupted expression of extracellular matrix genes in developing mesenchyme. As a key step toward laying the framework for identifying key molecular targets these data can be used for translational studies aimed at developing effective therapies for human palatal clefts.