Single-cell gene profiling and lineage tracing analyses revealed novel mechanisms of endothelial repair by progenitors.

ABSTRACT: Stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) have been implicated to participate in vascular repair. However, the exact role of SPCs in endothelial repair of large vessels still remains controversial. This study aimed to delineate the cellular heterogeneity and possible functional role of endogenous vascular SPCs in large vessels. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and genetic lineage tracing mouse models, we uncovered the cellular heterogeneity of SPCs, i.e., c-Kit⁺ cells in the mouse aorta, and found that endogenous c-Kit⁺ cells acquire endothelial cell fate in the aorta under both physiological and pathological conditions. While c-Kit⁺ cells contribute to aortic endothelial turnover in the atheroprone regions during homeostasis, recipient c-Kit⁺ cel

SUBMITTER: Deng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11104897 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature