10x Multiome from Human Fetal Heart

We hope to uncover the genetic basis of congenital heart disease by examining how genetic variants, especially those in non-coding regions, influence heart development. To achieve this goal, our research team created a single-cell atlas of human fetal heart development. The study population consists of 41 structurally normal fetal hearts spanning 6 to 22 weeks post-conception. We profiled close to 750,000 using single-cell RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing technologies via the 10x Genomics Multiome platform.The molecular technologies employed allowed for simultaneous analysis of gene expression and chromatin accessibility at the single-cell level. This approach identified numerous distinct cell types and states within the developing heart, offering detailed insights into gene activity and enhancer usage during critical stages of heart development.Principal findings include the characterization of diverse cell populations and the identification of specific gene expression patterns and regulatory elements active during heart formation. This high-resolution atlas provides valuable insights into how genetic variants may disrupt normal heart development, particularly those in non-coding regions that affect gene regulation.]]>
Study Inclusion Criteria:Gestational Age: Fetal hearts from individuals between 6 to 22 weeks post-conception were included.Structural Normality: Only structurally normal fetal hearts were selected for the study.Ethical Compliance: Samples were obtained with appropriate ethical approvals and informed consent for research use.Sample Quality: Hearts with sufficient tissue integrity suitable for single-cell RNA and ATAC-sequencing were included.Study Exclusion Criteria:Structural Abnormalities: Fetal hearts exhibiting any congenital heart defects or structural anomalies were excluded.Insufficient Sample Quality: Hearts with degraded tissue unsuitable for sequencing technologies were excluded.]]>
The study received approval from the Stanford compliance committees on August 5, 2020. Following this approval, the research team began collecting tissue samples, receiving the first structurally normal fetal heart specimens in February 2021. Throughout the study, the team progressed through phases of sample collection, data generation, and analysis.]]>