A molecular atlas of the human postmenopausal fallopian tube and ovary from single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing

As part of the Human Cell Atlas Initiative, our goal is to generate single-cell transcriptomics (single-cell RNA sequencing [scRNA-seq], 86,708 cells) and regulatory (single-cell assay on transposase accessible chromatin sequencing [scATAC-seq], 59,830 cells) profiles of the normal postmenopausal ovary and fallopian tube (FT). The FT contains 11 major cell types, and the ovary contains 6. The dominating cell type in the FT and ovary is the stromal cell, which expresses aging-associated genes. FT epithelial cells express multiple ovarian cancer risk-associated genes (CCDC170, RND3, TACC2, STK33, and ADGB) and show active communication between fimbrial epithelial cells and ovarian stromal cells. Integrated single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility data show that the regulatory landscape of the fimbriae is different from other anatomic regions. Cell types with similar gene expression in the FT display transcriptional profiles. These findings allow us to disentangle the cellular makeup of the postmenopausal FT and ovary, advancing our knowledge of gynecologic diseases in menopause.

Automated summary

As part of the Human Cell Atlas Initiative, this study aims to analyze the cellular composition and regulatory features of the normal postmenopausal ovary and fallopian tube using single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility data. The findings reveal differences in gene expression and active communication between fimbrial epithelial cells and ovarian stromal cells, providing insights into gynecologic diseases in menopause.