The single-cell atlas of the murine reproductive tissues during preterm labor

Abstract

Preterm birth, the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, frequently results from the syndrome of preterm labor. Intra-amniotic infection is the best-established causal link to preterm labor, and involves premature activation of the parturition cascade in the reproductive tissues. Herein, we utilized single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to generate a single-cell atlas of the murine uterus, decidua, and cervix in a model of infection-induced preterm labor. We show that preterm labor affects the transcriptomic profiles of specific immune and non-immune cell subsets. Shared and tissue-specific gene expression signatures were identified among affected cells. Importantly, determination of intercellular communications implicates specific cell types preterm labor-associated signaling pathways across tissues. Last, in silico comparison of murine and human uterine cell-cell interactions reveals conserved signaling pathways implicated in labor. Thus, scRNA-seq provides new insights into the preterm labor-driven cellular landscape and communications in the reproductive tissues.