Single-Molecule Spatial Transcriptomics of Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Uncovers Calcification-Related <i>CARTPT</i>-Expressing Smooth Muscle Cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although single-cell RNA-sequencing is commonly applied to dissect the heterogeneity in human tissues, it involves the preparation of single-cell suspensions via cell dissociation, causing loss of spatial information. In this study, we employed high-resolution single-cell transcriptome imaging to reveal rare smooth muscle cell (SMC) types in human thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) tissue samples.

Methods

Single-molecule spatial distribution of transcripts from 140 genes was analyzed in fresh-frozen human TAA samples with region and sex-matched controls. In vitro studies and tissue staining were performed to examine human CART prepropeptide (CARTPT) regulation and function.

Results

We captured thousands of cells per sample including a spatially distinct

SUBMITTER: Mizrak D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10842613 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature