Molecular stratification of the human fetal vaginal epithelium by spatial transcriptome analysis.

ABSTRACT: The human vaginal epithelium is a crucial component of numerous reproductive processes and serves as a vital protective barrier against pathogenic invasion. Despite its significance, a comprehensive exploration of its molecular profiles, including molecular expression and distribution across its multiple layers, has not been performed. In this study, we perform a spatial transcriptomic analysis within the vaginal wall of human fetuses to fill this knowledge gap. We successfully categorize the vaginal epithelium into four distinct zones based on transcriptomic profiles and anatomical features. This approach reveals unique transcriptomic signatures within these regions, allowing us to identify differentially expressed genes and uncover novel markers for distinct regions of the vaginal epithe

SUBMITTER: Ye Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11612642 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature