Single cell RNA-sequencing of rat gingva with diabetic periodontitis

Using single cell-RNA sequencing, we reported structural and functional changes of gingival cellulome in diabetes-associated periodontitis, with the aim to identify distinct cell populations and functions involving in disease progression. We identified inflammation-related stromal and epithelial subpopulations that expanded in diabetes-associated periodontitis, creating distinct immune microenvironment that drives the progression of the disease. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Rats in normoglycemic groups (Ctrl) received injection of vehicle. Seven days later, rats with non-fasting blood glucose levels ≥250 mg/dl were allocated to diabetic group (DM). Periodontitis was induced by ligature around second maxillary molars. Gingiva samples were collected from four groups, normoglycemic rats without periodontitis; normoglycemic rats with periodontitis; diabetic rats without periodontitis; diabetic rats with periodontitis, and went through single cell RNA-sequencing. Each group was a mixture of 9 biological replicates.