RNA sequencing discerns sub-populations of pancreatic β-cells and dynamics of gene expression in partial pancreatectomy model

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing of islets in young mice subjected to partial pancreatectomy (PPTx). Four clusters of pancreatic beta cells including a subpopulation of replicating beta cells. Pseudo-time course analysis clarified the gradual changes in gene expression from non-replicating beta cells to replicating ones. Upstream analysis visualized the transcriptional networks associated with beta cell replication by PPTx. Pancreatic islets were isolated from young mice 2 days after PPTx or without PPTx. Cells were dispersed by trypsin and went to single cell RNA-seq. Data were processed by dimensional reduction and clustering. Subpopulations in pancreatic islet cells and differentially expressed genes were analyzed. Cell cycle analysis and expression of cell cycle genes identified one cluster as replocating beta cells. Pseudo time analysis were performed and gradual change of gene expression from non-replicating beta cells to replicating beta cells were visualised. Upstream analysis were conducted using genes differentially expressed in each subpopulation and different timepoint in pseudo-time.