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Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Bidirectional Development of Infantile Hemangioma
Zhi-Tong Chen1, Meng-Juan Cui2, Shi-Kai Guo3
1Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China; School of Mathematics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Infantile hemangioma (IH) involves abnormal cell growth. This study reveals how hemangioma mural cells promote endothelial cell proliferation in IH, offering insights into disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor affecting infants.
- Understanding IH pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a cellular atlas of proliferative-phase IH.
- To elucidate the roles of endothelial cells and hemangioma mural cells in IH development.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on IH samples from 3 infants.
- Cell clustering identified 10 major cell types, including endothelial and mural cells.
- Cell-cell communication analysis and immunofluorescence were utilized.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cells in IH display high proliferative capacity and heterogeneity.
- Hemangioma mural cells secrete VEGFA and PGF, promoting endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
- VEGFA and Ki-67 expression are elevated in IH compared to normal skin.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a comprehensive cellular map of proliferative IH.
- Hemangioma mural cells play a significant role in IH progression by influencing endothelial cells.
- Specific adrenergic receptor expression patterns were identified in IH cell types.
