Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of human coronary arteries using an enhanced workflow reveals SMC transitions and candidate drug targets [article]

Wei Feng Ma, Chani J Hodonsky, Adam W Turner, Doris Wong, Yipei Song, Nelson B Barrientos, Clint L Miller
2020 bioRxiv   pre-print
Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) methods have enabled high-resolution profiling and quantification of cellular expression and transcriptional states. Here we incorporate automated cell labeling, pseudotemporal ordering, ligand-receptor evaluation, and drug-gene interaction analysis into an enhanced and reproducible scRNA-seq analysis workflow. We applied this analysis method to a recently published human coronary artery scRNA dataset and revealed distinct derivations of
more » ... chondrocyte-like and fibroblast-like cells from smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We highlighted several key ligand-receptor interactions within the atherosclerotic environment through functional expression profiling and revealed several attractive avenues for future pharmacological repurposing. This publicly available workflow will also allow for more systematic and user-friendly analysis of scRNA datasets in other disease systems.
doi:10.1101/2020.10.27.357715 fatcat:qsvj6vjhq5e5xahzkscjh3uvky