Scripts used for analysis of V1 and V2 Datasets.seurat_v1.R - initialize seurat object from 10X Genomics cellranger outputs. Includes filtering, normalization, regression, variable gene identification, PCA analysis, clustering, tSNE visualization. Used for v1 datasets. merge_seurat.R - merge two or more seurat objects into one seurat object. Perform linear regression to remove batch effects from separate objects. Used for v1 datasets. subcluster_seurat_v1.R - subcluster clusters of interest from Seurat object. Determine variable genes, perform regression and PCA. Used for v1 datasets.seurat_v2.R - initialize seurat object from 10X Genomics cellranger outputs. Includes filtering, normalization, regression, variable gene identification, and PCA analysis. Used for v2 datasets. clustering_markers_v2.R - clustering and tSNE visualization for v2 datasets. subcluster_seurat_v2.R - subcluster clusters of interest from Seurat object. Determine variable genes, perform regression and PCA analysis. Used for v2 datasets.seurat_object_analysis_v1_and_v2.R - downstream analysis and plotting functions for seurat object created by seurat_v1.R or seurat_v2.R. merge_clusters.R - merge clusters that do not meet gene threshold. Used for both v1 and v2 datasets. prepare_for_monocle_v1.R - subcluster cells of interest and perform linear regression, but not scaling in order to input normalized, regressed values into monocle with monocle_seurat_input_v1.R monocle_seurat_input_v1.R - monocle script using seurat batch corrected values as input for v1 merged timecourse datasets. monocle_lineage_trace.R - monocle script using nUMI as input for v2 lineage traced dataset. monocle_object_analysis.R - downstream analysis for monocle object - BEAM and plotting. CCA_merging_v2.R - script for merging v2 endocrine datasets with canonical correlation analysis and determining the number of CCs to include in downstream analysis. CCA_alignment_v2.R - script for downstream alignment, clustering, tSNE visualization, and differential gene expression analysis.

Includes V1 seurat objects used for input (regression with no scaling) and resulting monocle object.merge_meso_vsm_seur_ob - E12.5, E14.5, E17.5 V1 Dataset. Subclustered mesenchymal dataset for mesothelial and VSM populations. Prepared for monocle input by regression and no scaling analysis. Input for monocle_v1_seurat_input.R. merge_meso_vsm_monocle_ob - Resulting monocle object generated from merge_meso_vsm_seur_ob. Used as input for monocle_object_analysis.R. Grouped by "final_clus" in phenoData. Corresponds to Fig. 3e.

Summary: Dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate innate and adaptive immunity, by translating the sensing of distinct danger signals into the induction of different effector lymphocyte responses, to induce different defense mechanisms suited to face distinct types of threats. Hence, DCs are very plastic, which results from two key characteristics. First, DCs encompass distinct cell types specialized in different functions. Second, each DC type can undergo different activation states, fine-tuning its functions depending on its tissue microenvironment and the pathophysiological context, by adapting the output signals it delivers to the input signals it receives. Hence, to better understand DC biology and harness it in the clinic, we must determine which combinations of DC types and activation states mediate which functions, and how.
To decipher the nature, functions and regulation of DC types and their physiological activation states, one of the methods that can be harnessed most successfully is ex vivo single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). However, for new users of this approach, determining which analytics strategy and computational tools to choose can be quite challenging, considering the rapid evolution and broad burgeoning of the field. In addition, awareness must be raised on the need for specific, robust and tractable strategies to annotate cells for cell type identity and activation states. It is also important to emphasize the necessity of examining whether similar cell activation trajectories are inferred by using different, complementary methods. In this chapter, we take these issues into account for providing a pipeline for scRNAseq analysis and illustrating it with a tutorial reanalyzing a public dataset of mononuclear phagocytes isolated from the lungs of naïve or tumor-bearing mice. We describe this pipeline step-by-step, including data quality controls, dimensionality reduction, cell clustering, cell cluster annotation, inference of the cell activation trajectories and investigation of the underpinning molecular regulation. It is accompanied with a more complete tutorial on Github. We anticipate that this method will be helpful for both wet lab and bioinformatics researchers interested in harnessing scRNAseq data for deciphering the biology of DCs or other cell types, and that it will contribute to establishing high standards in the field.

Data:

1. Immgen_cell_types.cls : Microarray Phase 1 expression

2. Immgen_norm_exp_data.gct : Microarray Phase 1 class

BackgroundNumerous studies support that Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer. However, few studies have surveyed the heterogeneity of HPV infected or uninfected (HPV+ and HPV-) cervical cancer (CESC) patients. Integration of scRNA-seq and TCGA data to analyze the heterogeneity of HPV+ and HPV- cervical cancer patients on a single-cell level could improve understanding of the cellular mechanisms during HPV-induced cervical cancer.MethodsCESC scRNA-seq data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the Seurat, Monocle3 package were used for scRNA-seq data analysis. The ESTIMATE package was used for single-sample gene immune score, CIBERSORT package was used to identify immune scores of cells, and the “WGCNA” package for the weighted correlation network analysis. Univariate Cox and LASSO regression were performed to establish survival and relapse signatures. KEGG and GO analyses were performed for the signature gene. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was used for Pan-cancer analysis.ResultsIn the HPV+ CESC group, CD8+ T cells and B cells were down-regulated, whereas T reg cells, CD4+ T cells, and epithelial cells were up-regulated according to scRNA-seq data. Survival analysis of TCGA-CESC revealed that increased expression of naive B cells or CD8+ T cells favors the survival probability of CESC patients. WGCNA, univariate Cox, and LASSO Cox regression established a 9-genes survival signature and a 7-gene relapse model. Pan-cancer analysis identified IKZF3, FOXP3, and JAK3 had a similar distribution and effects in HPV-associated HNSC.ConclusionAnalysis of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq of HPV+ and HPV- CESC samples revealed heterogeneity from transcriptional state to immune infiltration. Survival and relapse models were adjusted according to the heterogeneity of HPV+ and HPV- CESC immune cells to assess the prognostic risk accurately. Hub genes represent similar protection in HPV- associated HNSC while showing irrelevant to other potential HPV-related cancers.

Comparison of ScRDAVis and other popular single cell data analysis tools.

Includes V1 seurat objects used for input (regression with no scaling) and resulting monocle object.E14_endocrine_mon_input_seur_ob - E14.5 endocrine V1 Dataset. Prepared for monocle, input into monocle_v1_seurat_input.R E14_endocrine_monocle_ob - Resulting monocle object generated from E14_endocrine_mon_input_seur_ob. Grouped by "ordered_res1_5" in phenoData. Corresponds to Fig. 4g. merge_fev_endocrine_seur_ob - E12.5, E14.5, E17.5 V1 Dataset. Subclustered epithelial dataset for Fev+/Pax4+, FevHi/Chgb+, Alpha, Beta, Epsilon, and Delta populations. Prepared for monocle, input into monocle_v1_seurat_input.R merge_fev_endocrine_monocle_ob - Resulting monocle object generated from merge_fev_endocrine_seur_ob. Grouped by "merged_clus" in phenoData. Corresponds to Supplementary Fig. 8a.

BackgroundThe tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in the progression and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the detailed characteristics of LUAD and its associated microenvironment are yet to be extensively explored. This study aims to delineate a comprehensive profile of the immune cells within the LUAD microenvironment, including CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and myeloid cells. Subsequently, based on marker genes of exhausted CD8+ T cells, we aim to establish a prognostic model for LUAD.MethodUtilizing the Seurat and Scanpy packages, we successfully constructed an immune microenvironment atlas for LUAD. The Monocle3 and PAGA algorithms were employed for pseudotime analysis, pySCENIC for transcription factor analysis, and CellChat for analyzing intercellular communication. Following this, a prognostic model for LUAD was developed, based on the marker genes of exhausted CD8+ T cells, enabling effective risk stratification in LUAD patients. Our study included a thorough analysis to identify differences in TME, mutation landscape, and enrichment across varying risk groups. Moreover, by integrating risk scores with clinical features, we developed a new nomogram. The expression of model genes was validated via RT-PCR, and a series of cellular experiments were conducted, elucidating the potential oncogenic mechanisms of GALNT2.ResultsOur study developed a single-cell atlas for LUAD from scRNA-seq data of 19 patients, examining crucial immune cells in LUAD’s microenvironment. We underscored pDCs’ role in antigen processing and established a Cox regression model based on CD8_Tex-LAYN genes for risk assessment. Additionally, we contrasted prognosis and tumor environments across risk groups, constructed a new nomogram integrating clinical features, validated the expression of model genes via RT-PCR, and confirmed GALNT2’s function in LUAD through cellular experiments, thereby enhancing our understanding and approach to LUAD treatment.ConclusionThe creation of a LUAD single-cell atlas in our study offered new insights into its tumor microenvironment and immune cell interactions, highlighting the importance of key genes associated with exhausted CD8+ T cells. These discoveries have enabled the development of an effective prognostic model for LUAD and identified GALNT2 as a potential therapeutic target, significantly contributing to the improvement of LUAD diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Glioblastoma is one of the most common neoplasms in the central nervous system characterized by limited immune response and unlimited expansion capability. Cancer stem cells (GSCs), a small fraction of the tumor cells, possess a pivotal regulation capability in the tumor microenvironment with a superior proliferation ability. We aimed to reveal the interaction between glioma stem cells (GSCs) and immune cells during tumorigenesis. Single-cell sequencing data from seven surgical specimens of glioblastoma patients and patient-derived GSCs cocultured with peripheral leukocytes were used for the analysis. Cell grouping and trajectory analysis were performed using Seurat and Monocle 3 packages in R software. The gene set of Cancer Genome Anatomy Project was used to define different cell types. Cells with the ability of proliferation and differentiation in glioblastoma tissue were defined as GSCs, which had a similar expression pattern to that in the GSCs in vitro. Astrocytes in glioblastoma were mainly derived from differentiated GSCs, while oligodendrocytes were most likely to be derived from different precursor cells. No remarkable evolutionary trajectory was observed among the subgroups of T cells in glioblastoma. The immune checkpoint interaction between GSCs and immune cells was changed from stimulatory to inhibitory during tumorigenesis. The patient-derived GSCs system is an ideal model for GSC research. The above research revealed that the interaction pattern between GSC glioma stem cells and immune cells during tumorigenesis provides a theoretical basis for GSC glioma stem cell-targeted immunotherapy.