Dynamic changes in cellular atlases and communication patterns within yak ovaries across diverse reproductive states unveiled by single-cell analysis [scRNAseq_Yak_Ovary_Pregnancy_2]
Yaks (Bos grunniens) exhibit exceptional adaptation to the challenging high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, making them the sole bovine species capable of thriving in such exreme conditions. Investigating the cellular and molecular characteristics of yak ovaries across different reproductive states is crucial for gaining insight into their ovarian functions. Herein, the cellular atlases of yak ovaries in different reproductive states were depicted by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). The cellular atlases of the ovaries were established by identifying specific gene expression patterns of various cell types, including granulosa cells, theca cells, stromal cells, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, glial cell, macrophages, natural killer cells, and proliferating cells. The cellular compositions of the ovaries vary among different reproductive states. Moreover, a cell-to-cell communication network was constructed among distinct cell types within the ovary, spanning the three reproductive states. Overall design: We performed scRNA-seq to investigate the cellular atlases of yak ovaries and their communication across different states of the reproductive cycle.