Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals PDGFRα+ stromal cell subpopulations that promote proacinar cell differentiation in embryonic salivary gland organoids.

Stromal cells can direct the differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells during organ development. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for submandibular salivary gland development. Through stromal fibroblast cells, FGF2 can indirectly regulate proacinar cell differentiation in organoids, but the mechanisms are not understood.