single-cell RNA-seq of cardiac tissue from offsprings of dams with different fibre intake levels

We proposed that the maternal intake of fibre could influence the epigenetic conditions in the womb, consequently altering the cardiac characteristics of the offspring. Additionally, we speculated that maternal fibre intake might lead to significant changes in cardiac gene expression in the offspring by promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). To examine the impact of maternal high fibre intake on the cellular composition of the heart, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis on cardiac tissue from 6-week-old offspring who had not been subjected to any external challenges. Female mice were allowed to feed ad libitum for the duration of pregnancy and lactation. We used diets high in resistant starches, a prebiotic type of fibre (referred to as "high-fibre", SF11-025) or low in resistant starches ("low-fibre", SF09-028) both obtained from Specialty Feeds. Once offspring reached 3-weeks of age (weaning age), all animals were placed on a standard chow from Specialty Feeds. Food was replenished twice a week for the duration of the intervention. Following euthanasia of offspring mice at 6 week, cardiac puncture was performed to remove blood.