Characterization of Endothelial Cell Subclusters in Localized Scleroderma Skin with Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies NOTCH Signaling Pathway.

ABSTRACT: Localized scleroderma (LS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, leading to severe cutaneous manifestations such as skin hardening, tightness, discoloration, and other textural changes that may result in disability. While LS shares similar histopathologic features and immune-fibroblast interactions with systemic sclerosis (SSc), its molecular mechanisms remain understudied. Endothelial cells (EC) are known to play a crucial role in SSc but have not been investigated in LS. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) now allows for detailed examination of this cell type in the primary organ of interest for scleroderma, the skin. In this study, we analyzed skin-isolated cells from 27 LS patients (pediatric and adult) and 17 healthy controls using scRNA-seq. Given th

SUBMITTER: Hutchins T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11477421 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature