Decoding the transcriptome of calcified atherosclerotic plaque at single-cell resolution.

ABSTRACT: Atherogenesis involves an interplay of inflammation, tissue remodeling and cellular transdifferentiation (CTD), making it especially difficult to precisely delineate its pathophysiology. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing and systems-biology approaches to analyze the transcriptional profiles of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in calcified atherosclerotic core (AC) plaques and patient-matched proximal adjacent (PA) portions of carotid artery tissue from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Our results reveal an anatomic distinction whereby PA cells express inflammatory mediators, while cells expressing matrix-secreting genes occupy a majority of the AC region. Systems biology analysis indicates that inflammation in PA ECs and VSMCs may be driven b

SUBMITTER: Alsaigh T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9556750 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature