Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the vaginal wall in women with severe anterior vaginal prolapse

Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 4;12(1):87. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20358-y.

Abstract

Anterior vaginal prolapse (AVP) is the most common form of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and has deleterious effects on women's health. Despite recent advances in AVP diagnosis and treatment, a cell atlas of the vaginal wall in AVP has not been constructed. Here, we employ single-cell RNA-seq to construct a transcriptomic atlas of 81,026 individual cells in the vaginal wall from AVP and control samples and identify 11 cell types. We reveal aberrant gene expression in diverse cell types in AVP. Extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation and immune reactions involvement are identified in both non-immune and immune cell types. In addition, we find that several transcription factors associated with ECM and immune regulation are activated in AVP. Furthermore, we reveal dysregulated cell-cell communication patterns in AVP. Taken together, this work provides a valuable resource for deciphering the cellular heterogeneity and the molecular mechanisms underlying severe AVP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cell Communication / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / genetics
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / pathology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Single-Cell Analysis*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Uterine Prolapse / genetics*
  • Uterine Prolapse / pathology
  • Vagina / pathology*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Transcription Factors