Single-cell RNAseq uncovers cellular heterogeneity and provides a signature for pediatric sleep apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disease and a major cause of systemic inflammation leading to neurocognitive, behavioral, metabolic, and cardiovascular dysfunction in children and adults. However, the impact of OSA on the heterogeneity of circulating immune cells remains to be determined. scRNA-seq demonstrated OSA-induced heterogeneity in cellular composition and enabled the identification of previously undescribed cell types in PBMCs. The OSA group consisted of 11 patients who were polysomnographically diagnosed with OSA (Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) >5 events/hour sleep). The Control group consisted of 11 asymptomatic individuals without OSA (AHI < 1 events/hour sleep). Participants were recruited from individuals undergoing PSG due to suspected OSA at the Pediatic Sleep Clinics at the University of Missouri. Inclusion criteria were 2-16 years of age; male and female, all ethnic groups and all BMIs. Exclusion criteria were individuals younger than 2 years and older than 16 years of age, presence of genetic disorders: cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, genetic or any underlying systemic congenital disease.