Fig. 3

Integration of scRNA-seq datasets reveals consistent cell clustering and gene expression patterns. (a) UMAP visualization of epithelial and stromal cell clusters after data integration; cells are color-coded based on their dataset of origin. (b) Feature plots showing normalized expression levels of stromal markers Acta2 and Dcn; columnar epithelial marker Krt8 and squamous epithelial marker Krt5/Krt13; Basal (red) and differentiated (purple) squamous cells are highlighted by dotted circles. (c) Clustered dot plot illustrating the relative expression levels of epithelial and stromal marker genes across the epithelial and stromal cells obtained from their respective scRNA-seq datasets. Each specific cell type from a dataset expresses only markers unique to them. Dot size indicates the percentage of cells expressing a gene, while color represents the scaled mean expression level from high (dark blue) to low (yellow).