Spatial transcriptomics reveals a key role of fibroblast-like vascular smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerotic cell crosstalk and stability - PubMed
8 days ago
- #Atherosclerosis
- #Spatial Transcriptomics
- #VSMC
- Spatial transcriptomics identifies fibroblast-like vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as key regulators in human atherosclerotic plaque stability.
- The study utilized spatial and single-cell transcriptomics from 13 carotid plaques to analyze cell phenotypes, trajectories, and intercellular communications.
- Fibroblast-like VSMCs were associated with extracellular matrix formation and found more in asymptomatic individuals, correlating with stable plaque features and lower risk of future cardiovascular events.
- Genes specific to fibroblast-like VSMCs were enriched in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, suggesting a genetic link to atherosclerotic diseases.
- Potential drug repurposing opportunities were identified through compounds that could induce key marker genes of fibroblast-like VSMCs, validated in vitro.
- The findings suggest targeting fibroblast-like VSMCs could offer new therapeutic avenues for preventing atherosclerotic events.