In:
Circulation, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 140, No. 2 ( 2019-07-09), p. 147-163
Abstract:
The cells that form the arterial wall contribute to multiple vascular diseases. The extent of cellular heterogeneity within these populations has not been fully characterized. Recent advances in single-cell RNA-sequencing make it possible to identify and characterize cellular subpopulations. Methods: We validate a method for generating a droplet-based single-cell atlas of gene expression in a normal blood vessel. Enzymatic dissociation of 4 whole mouse aortas was followed by single-cell sequencing of 〉 10 000 cells. Results: Clustering analysis of gene expression from aortic cells identified 10 populations of cells representing each of the main arterial cell types: fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells (ECs), and immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes. The most significant cellular heterogeneity was seen in the 3 distinct EC populations. Gene set enrichment analysis of these EC subpopulations identified a lymphatic EC cluster and 2 other populations more specialized in lipoprotein handling, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix production. These subpopulations persist and exhibit similar changes in gene expression in response to a Western diet. Immunofluorescence for Vcam1 and Cd36 demonstrates regional heterogeneity in EC populations throughout the aorta. Conclusions: We present a comprehensive single-cell atlas of all cells in the aorta. By integrating expression from 〉 1900 genes per cell, we are better able to characterize cellular heterogeneity compared with conventional approaches. Gene expression signatures identify cell subpopulations with vascular disease–relevant functions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0009-7322
,
1524-4539
DOI:
10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038362
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2019
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1466401-X
