The global goat milk market has expanded rapidly, driven by its reputed hypoallergenic properties and associated health benefits. Here we present the first single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) atlas of somatic cells in mid-lactation Saanen goat milk, revealing cellular heterogeneity and immune-regulatory mechanisms. Analysis of 7276 high-quality cells from five biological replicates revealed seven populations: myofibroblasts, dendritic cells (DCs), epithelial cells (EPCs), monocytes, bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, neutrophils, and T cells. The proportion of EPCs varied markedly between individuals (23.18 %–94.09 %, p = 0.0295) and was positively correlated with somatic cell count (R = 0.6087, based on five biological replicates), suggesting a moderate association. Pseudotime analysis revealed two differentiation trajectories: high-epithelial samples (HPG; >80 % EPCs) were dominated by immune-cell- dominated, whereas low-epithelial samples (LPG; <60 % EPCs) primarily exhibited epithelial differentiation. Cell-cell communication analyses showed distinct signaling: SELL/CXCL-mediated immune pathways were activated in HPG, while TGF-β/SPP1 signaling—linked to cell migration and immune suppression—was upregulated in LPG. A total of 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Pro-inflammatory factors, such as SAA and PAEP, were enriched in HPG, whereas anti-inflammatory markers, including SERPIN B3 and C3, were elevated in LPG. Notably, casein genes (CSN1S2, CSN2, CSN3) were markedly upregulated in immune cells of HPG (T cells, monocytes and DCs). In conclusion, this work unveils a key cellular biomarker for milk quality, which is expected to guide the dairy industry towards producing safer and hypoallergenic goat milk products.
Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of goat milk somatic cells highlights immune heterogeneity and epithelial cell-related networks / Tao, Ren; He, Cong; Yaolong, Liu; Chengli, Liu; Pengcheng, Ruan; Zixuan, Wang; Hao-yuan, Long; Ceccobelli, Simone; Pengfei, Hu; Yan, Zeng; Yanguo, Han; Yawang, Sun; Guang-xin, E.. - In: FOOD BIOSCIENCE. - ISSN 2212-4292. - 74:(2025). [10.1016/j.fbio.2025.107872]
Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of goat milk somatic cells highlights immune heterogeneity and epithelial cell-related networks
Ceccobelli, Simone;
2025-01-01
Abstract
The global goat milk market has expanded rapidly, driven by its reputed hypoallergenic properties and associated health benefits. Here we present the first single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) atlas of somatic cells in mid-lactation Saanen goat milk, revealing cellular heterogeneity and immune-regulatory mechanisms. Analysis of 7276 high-quality cells from five biological replicates revealed seven populations: myofibroblasts, dendritic cells (DCs), epithelial cells (EPCs), monocytes, bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, neutrophils, and T cells. The proportion of EPCs varied markedly between individuals (23.18 %–94.09 %, p = 0.0295) and was positively correlated with somatic cell count (R = 0.6087, based on five biological replicates), suggesting a moderate association. Pseudotime analysis revealed two differentiation trajectories: high-epithelial samples (HPG; >80 % EPCs) were dominated by immune-cell- dominated, whereas low-epithelial samples (LPG; <60 % EPCs) primarily exhibited epithelial differentiation. Cell-cell communication analyses showed distinct signaling: SELL/CXCL-mediated immune pathways were activated in HPG, while TGF-β/SPP1 signaling—linked to cell migration and immune suppression—was upregulated in LPG. A total of 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Pro-inflammatory factors, such as SAA and PAEP, were enriched in HPG, whereas anti-inflammatory markers, including SERPIN B3 and C3, were elevated in LPG. Notably, casein genes (CSN1S2, CSN2, CSN3) were markedly upregulated in immune cells of HPG (T cells, monocytes and DCs). In conclusion, this work unveils a key cellular biomarker for milk quality, which is expected to guide the dairy industry towards producing safer and hypoallergenic goat milk products.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
