Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Proteomic Profiling of Macrophages by 2D Electrophoresis
Published on: November 4, 2014
Identification of Macrophage-Related Biomarkers for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Through Combined Single-Cell Sequencing
Guoqing Yao1, Xuemei Hu2, Daqiang Song3
1Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
The relationship between macrophages and the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) remains unclear, and effective biomarkers are lacking. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism whereby macrophages promote AAA development and identified associated biomarkers, with the goal of developing new targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Patients And Methods:
Differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and single-cell analysis were used to identify macrophage-related genes in an AAA dataset. Machine learning algorithms identified THBS1, HCLS1, DMXL2, and ZEB2 as key macrophage-related genes upregulated in AAA; these four hub genes were then used to construct a nomogram as an auxiliary tool for clinical diagnosis. Subsequent downstream single-cell and CellChat analyses were conducted to observe the interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts and analyze potential pathways.
Results:
Single-cell validation confirmed enhanced THBS1 expression in macrophages in AAA. CellChat analysis revealed enhanced interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts in AAA through THBS1-CD47 signaling. Finally, an analysis of clinical samples from patients with AAA confirmed the high expression of THBS1 and CD47 in AAA and that THBS1 promotes the progression of AAA through the TNF-NFκB signaling pathway. Our findings reveal the THBS1-CD47 signaling pathway as a critical mechanism in macrophage-driven AAA progression, highlighting THBS1's potential as a therapeutic target.
Conclusion:
Our findings highlight THBS1 as a potential driver of macrophage-mediated AAA formation and an important biomarker for AAA diagnosis. The study results would help in improving treatment outcomes in patients with AAA. These findings provide a foundation for the development of diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for AAA, potentially improving early detection and patient outcomes.
Insights
This study identifies THBS1 as a key driver in macrophage-mediated abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. High THBS1 expression in AAA highlights its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- The role of macrophages in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Effective biomarkers for AAA diagnosis and progression are currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which macrophages drive AAA development.
- To identify novel biomarkers for AAA diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and single-cell sequencing were employed.
- Machine learning identified key macrophage-related genes (THBS1, HCLS1, DMXL2, ZEB2) in AAA.
- CellChat analysis investigated macrophage-fibroblast interactions and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Single-cell analysis confirmed elevated THBS1 expression in macrophages within AAA tissues.
- THBS1-CD47 signaling was identified as a crucial pathway mediating macrophage-fibroblast interactions in AAA.
- Clinical sample analysis validated high THBS1 and CD47 expression in AAA, linking THBS1 to AAA progression via the TNF-NFκB pathway.
Conclusions:
- THBS1 is a critical mediator of macrophage-driven AAA progression.
- THBS1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for AAA.
- These findings support the development of novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for AAA.
More Related Videos
06:22Isolation of Viable Adipocytes and Stromal Vascular Fraction from Human Visceral Adipose Tissue Suitable for RNA Analysis and Macrophage Phenotyping
Published on: October 27, 2020
10:12Droplet Barcoding-Based Single Cell Transcriptomics of Adult Mammalian Tissues
Published on: January 10, 2019