Multiomics analysis provides insights into musk secretion in muskrat and musk deer.

Single-cell RNA sequencing in muskrat musk glands identified increased acinar/glandular epithelial cells during secretion, highlighting the role of lipometabolism in gland development and evolution. The study concludes that the evolution of musk secretion in muskrats and musk deer is likely driven by lipid metabolism and cell specialization.

Using Countstar Rigel S2, the study measured cell number and viability in the study's cell samples during preparation for single-cell or single-nucleus analysis.