Multi-organ single-cell RNA-sequencing of early hyperglycaemia responses

Diabetes causes a range of complications that can affect multiple organs. Hyperglycaemia is an important driver of diabetes-associated complications, mediated by biological processes such as dysfunction of endothelial cells, fibrosis and alterations in leukocyte number and function. Here, we dissected the transcriptional response of key cell types to hyperglycaemia across multiple tissues using single-cell RNA-seq. Wild-type C57BL/6J (12-14 weeks old) control or diabetic experimental groups. Diabetes was induced through an intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a low dose range (42 – 45 mg / kg / day) over 5 consecutive days. After 6 weeks post-final STZ injection, diabetic mice with non-fasted blood glucose levels >13.9 mmol/L were sacrificed and tissue collected. Cells were isolated from heart, kidney, liver and spleen and assessed by single-cell RNA-sequencing.