Transcriptomic, Specific Marker, and Pathway Analysis of Smooth Muscle Cell Foam Cells Compared to Macrophage Foam Cells in Human Atherosclerosis - PubMed
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- #smooth muscle cells
- #atherosclerosis
- #foam cells
- Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a major source of foam cells in human atherosclerotic lesions, but their transcriptomic profile compared to macrophage foam cells is not well defined.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing of human coronary arteries identified a distinct SMC foam cell cluster derived from fibromyocytes, termed lipomyocytes.
- In vitro cholesterol loading with aggregated LDL replicated the lipomyocyte profile, while cyclodextrin-bound cholesterol induced an inflammatory phenotype colocalizing with macrophages.
- Lipomyocytes specifically express SERPINE1 (PAI-1) and CFH (complement factor H), validated as markers in human coronary lesions via spatial transcriptomics and immunofluorescence.
- Compared to macrophage foam cells, lipomyocytes show distinct pathway enrichments, including extracellular matrix, coagulation, and angiogenesis pathways.
- SMC foam cells (lipomyocytes) represent a unique phenotype with different biological programs than macrophage foam cells, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.