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Screening for candidate genes and cell populations associated with atherosclerotic calcification using single-cell
Huai Wu Yuan1, Weiye Wang1, Wei Cheng2
1The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Summary
Researchers identified monocytes as key cells in atherosclerosis calcification, pinpointing five genes (WARS1, IFITM1, ANXA1, ADGRE2, S100P) and a signaling axis (PPBP-CXCR2) for potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis (AS) plaque calcification is a hallmark of disease progression, yet its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
- Identifying key cellular and genetic players is crucial for developing targeted therapies against AS calcification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify pivotal cell populations and key candidate genes involved in the calcification process of atherosclerosis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms and cell communication pathways driving AS calcification.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of human carotid plaque samples.
- Differential gene expression profiling, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and cell communication analysis.
- Pseudo-time analysis to track gene expression during cell differentiation.
Main Results:
- Monocytes were identified as the key cell population in AS calcification.
- Five critical genes (WARS1, IFITM1, ANXA1, ADGRE2, S100P) were identified, with distinct expression patterns during monocytic differentiation.
- The PPBP-CXCR2 signaling axis was identified as a key communication pathway between endothelial cells and NK T cells in AS plaques.
Conclusions:
- This study pinpoints monocytes and five specific genes as critical players in atherosclerosis calcification.
- The findings provide potential molecular insights and novel therapeutic targets for managing AS calcification.
