Single cell RNA sequencing of rat lung tissues to characterize blast exposure-induced cell heterogeneity

Coal mining carries inherent risks of catastrophic gas explosions capable of inflicting severe lung injury. Using a rat model, we explored mechanisms underlying alveolar epithelial damage and repair following a gas explosion. By performing scRNA-sequencing, we revealed that alveolar epithelial cells exhibited the most profound transcriptomic changes after gas explosion compared to other pulmonary cell types. To investigate the variation of lung cells, we exposed rats to blast explosion and matched them with control. The lung tissues of both groups were subjected to scRNA-sequencing.