Comprehensive Multimodal Profiling of Atherosclerosis Reveals Bhlhe40 as a Potential Regulator of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a central role in atherosclerosis by undergoing phenotypic modulation from a quiescent, contractile state to a range of synthetic phenotypes, including fibroblast-like, macrophage-like, and lipid-laden foam cell-like states. However, a comprehensive multimodal characterization and understanding of the transcriptional programs driving these transitions remain incomplete.

Methods

To comprehensively define the phenotypic diversity of VSMCs during atherosclerosis progression, we performed in-depth profiling using cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing in a VSMC lineage-tracing atherosclerotic mouse model. Insights from these datasets guided the design of targeted in vi

SUBMITTER: Ibikunle CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12139789 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature