Single-cell RNA sequencing elucidates cell populations in the murine and human tympanic membrane

Previous descriptions of the cellular makeup of the tympanic membrane (TM) describe three basic cell types: keratinocytes, fibrofblasts, and muscosal cells. To better understand the diversity of cells in this tissue, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on dissociated murine and human TMs. We identified the basic cell types previously known, as well as subtypes of cells in each group. Notably, keratinocyte cell clusters spanning the known differentiation kierarchy were identified, including two groups of undifferentiated keratinocytes which we propose make distinct contributions to maintaining the TM epidermis. Single-cell RNA sequencing of two samples from murine TMs (epidermal and fibrous/mucosal) and two samples from a healthy human TM (lateral and medial)