Cell type catalog of middle turbinate epithelium

ImportanceElucidation of the cellular makeup of the middle turbinate provides a foundation for future studies of pathogenesis of sinonasal disease. Neural progenitors and pluripotent basal cells found in middle turbinate mucosa potentially can be used to develop cellular models to study brain disorders or in regenerative medicine to substitute neuronal tissues. ObjectiveSingle cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of middle turbinate mucosa was performed to create the first single cell transcriptome catalog of this part of the human body. DesignSamples were obtained from the head of the middle turbinate from healthy volunteers. After the specimen was prepared per lab protocol, cells were dissociated, suspended, and counted. Single cell libraries were then prepared according to the 10x Genomics protocol and sequenced using NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina). Sequencing data were processed using Cell Ranger, and clustering and gene expression analysis was performed using Seurat. Cell types were annotated using known markers and data from other single cell studies. SettingSingle center, tertiary care center ParticipantsHealthy volunteer Intervention(s) (for clinical trials) or Exposure(s) (for observational studies)None Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)Identification of cell types of middle turbinate mucosa through expression profiling of single cells using known markers Results14 unique cell types were identified, including serous, goblet, club, basal, ciliated, endothelial, and neural progenitor cells, as well as multiple types of blood cells. Conclusions and RelevanceThis catalog provides a comprehensive depiction of the cellular composition of middle turbinate mucosa. By uncovering the cellular stratification of gene expression profiles in healthy middle turbinate epithelium, the groundwork has been laid for further investigation into the molecular pathogenesis and targeted therapy of sinonasal disease. Key PointsO_ST_ABSQuestionC_ST_ABSWhat is the cellular makeup of human middle turbinate mucosa? FindingsSingle-cell RNA sequencing revealed 14 cell types in middle turbinate epithelium, including neural progenitors, a previously unrecognized component of middle turbinate epithelium. MeaningGene expression profiles of middle turbinate mucosa cell types are concordant with other respiratory mucosa transcriptomic data with notable heterogeneity in serous and basal cells.{square}