Delineation of a thrombin receptor-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell transition generating cells in the plaque-stabilizing fibrous cap.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and exhibit remarkable phenotypic plasticity, contributing to both plaque growth and stability. The plaque-stabilizing fibrous cap is rich in VSMC-derived cells, yet the cellular transitions and regulatory mechanisms governing fibrous cap formation remain unclear. Here, we aimed to identify the VSMC phenotypic transitions associated with this critical process.

Methods and results

Mapping of lineage-traced VSMCs during plaque development revealed investment of VSMCs prior to fibrous cap formation. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiles of lineage-traced VSMCs from atherosclerotic and acutely injured mouse arteries, we identified a disease-specific VSMC state co-expressing contractil

SUBMITTER: Taylor JCK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12352313 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature