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. Overall design: 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.