scholarly journals Sex-Stratified Gene Regulatory Networks Reveal Female Key Driver Genes of Atherosclerosis Involved in Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Switching

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (7) ◽  
pp. 713-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin J.G. Hartman ◽  
Katie Owsiany ◽  
Lijiang Ma ◽  
Simon Koplev ◽  
Ke Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Lineage Tracing ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Artery Disease

Background: Although sex differences in coronary artery disease are widely accepted with women developing more stable atherosclerosis than men, the underlying pathobiology of such differences remains largely unknown. In coronary artery disease, recent integrative systems biological studies have inferred gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Within these GRNs, key driver genes have shown great promise but have thus far been unidentified in women. Methods: We generated sex-specific GRNs of the atherosclerotic arterial wall in 160 women and age-matched men in the STARNET study (Stockholm-Tartu Atherosclerosis Reverse Network Engineering Task). We integrated the female GRNs with single-cell RNA-sequencing data of the human atherosclerotic plaque and single-cell RNA sequencing of advanced atherosclerotic lesions from wild type and Klf4 knockout atherosclerotic smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage-tracing mice. Results: By comparing sex-specific GRNs, we observed clear sex differences in network activity within the atherosclerotic tissues. Genes more active in women were associated with mesenchymal cells and endothelial cells, whereas genes more active in men were associated with the immune system. We determined that key drivers of GRNs active in female coronary artery disease were predominantly found in (SMCs by single-cell sequencing of the human atherosclerotic plaques, and higher expressed in female plaque SMCs, as well. To study the functions of these female SMC key drivers in atherosclerosis, we examined single-cell RNA sequencing of advanced atherosclerotic lesions from wild type and Klf4 knockout atherosclerotic SMC lineage-tracing mice. The female key drivers were found to be expressed by phenotypically modulated SMCs and affected by Klf4, suggesting that sex differences in atherosclerosis involve phenotypic switching of plaque SMCs. Conclusions: Our systems approach provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms that underlie sex differences in atherosclerosis. To discover sex-specific therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis, an increased emphasis on sex-stratified approaches in the analysis of multi-omics data sets is warranted.

Sex Differences in Coronary Artery Disease Patients With and in Those Without Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1490-P
Author(s):  
CHRISTOPH H. SAELY ◽  
ALEXANDER VONBANK ◽  
CHRISTINE HEINZLE ◽  
DANIELA ZANOLIN ◽  
BARBARA LARCHER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Artery Disease

scholarly journals Implications of cardiac markers in risk-stratification and management for COVID-19 patients

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengping Li ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Tingting Zhang ◽  
Ziyu Wang ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Admission Rate ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Cardiac Markers ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract Background COVID-19 has resulted in high mortality worldwide. Information regarding cardiac markers for precise risk-stratification is limited. We aim to discover sensitive and reliable early-warning biomarkers for optimizing management and improving the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Methods A total of 2954 consecutive COVID-19 patients who were receiving treatment from the Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital in China from February 4 to April 10 were included in this retrospective cohort. Serum levels of cardiac markers were collected after admission. Coronary artery disease diagnosis and survival status were recorded. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and bulk RNA-sequencing from different cohorts of non-COVID-19 were performed to analyze SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression. Results Among 2954 COVID-19 patients in the analysis, the median age was 60 years (50–68 years), 1461 (49.5%) were female, and 1515 (51.3%) were severe/critical. Compared to mild/moderate (1439, 48.7%) patients, severe/critical patients showed significantly higher levels of cardiac markers within the first week after admission. In severe/critical COVID-19 patients, those with abnormal serum levels of BNP (42 [24.6%] vs 7 [1.1%]), hs-TNI (38 [48.1%] vs 6 [1.0%]), α- HBDH (55 [10.4%] vs 2 [0.2%]), CK-MB (45 [36.3%] vs 12 [0.9%]), and LDH (56 [12.5%] vs 1 [0.1%]) had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to patients with normal levels. The same trend was observed in the ICU admission rate. Severe/critical COVID-19 patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease (165/1,155 [10.9%]) had more cases of BNP (52 [46.5%] vs 119 [16.5%]), hs-TNI (24 [26.7%] vs 9.6 [%], α- HBDH (86 [55.5%] vs 443 [34.4%]), CK-MB (27 [17.4%] vs 97 [7.5%]), and LDH (65 [41.9%] vs 382 [29.7%]), when compared with those without coronary artery disease. There was enhanced SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression in coronary artery disease compared with healthy controls. From regression analysis, patients with five elevated cardiac markers were at a higher risk of death (hazards ratio 3.4 [95% CI 2.4–4.8]). Conclusions COVID-19 patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease represented a higher abnormal percentage of cardiac markers, accompanied by high mortality and ICU admission rate. BNP together with hs-TNI, α- HBDH, CK-MB and LDH act as a prognostic biomarker in COVID-19 patients with or without pre-existing coronary artery disease.

scholarly journals Comprehensive network modeling from single cell RNA sequencing of human and mouse reveals well conserved transcription regulation of hematopoiesis

BMC Genomics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (S11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shouguo Gao ◽  
Zhijie Wu ◽  
Xingmin Feng ◽  
Sachiko Kajigaya ◽  
Xujing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Transcription Regulation ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing ◽  
Human And Mouse

Abstract Background Presently, there is no comprehensive analysis of the transcription regulation network in hematopoiesis. Comparison of networks arising from gene co-expression across species can facilitate an understanding of the conservation of functional gene modules in hematopoiesis. Results We used single-cell RNA sequencing to profile bone marrow from human and mouse, and inferred transcription regulatory networks in each species in order to characterize transcriptional programs governing hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. We designed an algorithm for network reconstruction to conduct comparative transcriptomic analysis of hematopoietic gene co-expression and transcription regulation in human and mouse bone marrow cells. Co-expression network connectivity of hematopoiesis-related genes was found to be well conserved between mouse and human. The co-expression network showed “small-world” and “scale-free” architecture. The gene regulatory network formed a hierarchical structure, and hematopoiesis transcription factors localized to the hierarchy’s middle level. Conclusions Transcriptional regulatory networks are well conserved between human and mouse. The hierarchical organization of transcription factors may provide insights into hematopoietic cell lineage commitment, and to signal processing, cell survival and disease initiation.

Abstract 305: Single Cell RNA Sequencing of Adult Cardiac c-kit+ Cells in a Murine Lineage Tracing Model

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan D Maliken ◽  
Onur Kanisicak ◽  
Jeffery D Molkentin
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Lineage Tracing ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase Receptor ◽  
Early Differentiation ◽  
Gfp Reporter ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing

A subset of adult cardiac resident cells defined by the stem cell factor tyrosine kinase receptor termed c-kit, are believed to have myogenic potential and are now being delivered via intracoronary infusion to presumably promote cardiac regeneration and improve ventricular function after ischemic cardiac injury. However, recent studies have shown that despite these benefits, c-kit+ progenitor cells in the adult murine heart are more inclined to take on an endothelial rather than cardiomyocyte lineage. To better define the factors involved in early differentiation of these resident cardiac progenitor cells and to distinguish distinct cell subpopulations, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on c-kit+ cells from Kit-Cre lineage traced GFP reporter mice versus total mesenchymal cells from the heart that were CD31- and CD45-. Cells were isolated by cardiac digestion and FACS was performed, positively sorting for the c-kit+ lineage while negatively sorting for CD31 and CD45 to eliminate endothelial and leukocyte progenitor contamination, respectively. Following this isolation, cells were examined to determine GFP reporter status and then submitted for single cell RNA sequencing using the Fluidigm A1 system. Clustering of 654 genes from this data identified 6 distinct subpopulations indicating various stages of early differentiation among CD31- and CD45-negative cardiac interstitial cells. Furthermore, comparison of GFP+ c-kit cells to the total non-GFP mesenchymal cells identified 75 differentially expressed transcripts. These unique gene signatures may help parse the genes that underlie cellular plasticity in the heart and define the best molecular lineages for transdifferentiation into cardiac myocytes.

P2245Sex differences in the in-vivo markers of platelet activation among patients with ischemic heart disease: insights from the EVA study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Raparelli ◽  
G F Romiti ◽  
N Sperduti ◽  
G F Santangelo ◽  
M Vano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Stenosis ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Angina ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract Background/Introduction Ischemic heart diseases (IHD) are not synonymous with obstructive flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in women. Platelet dysfunction is suggested as a potential mechanism favouring ischemia in non-obstructive CAD. However, it is unknown whether sex differences in platelet function of patients with non-obstructive CAD exist. Purpose We assessed for sex differences in in-vivo markers of platelet activation among patients with the acute coronary syndrome and chronic stable angina, with or without obstructive CAD Methods From the “Endocrine Vascular disease Approach” (EVA) study, we selected IHD patients undergoing urgent or elective coronary angiography with complete baseline clinical characteristics and angiographic data. Non-obstructive CAD was defined as the presence of coronary stenosis <50%. Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and soluble P-selectin (sP-s) were measured at baseline. A sex-stratified analysis of platelet biomarkers was performed. Results Among two-hundred-seventy-seven patients (mean age 67±11, 37% women), non-obstructive CAD was documented in 25% of patients. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the reason for angiography in 61% of cases. Women had more frequently ACS, as compared with men (54.8% vs 41.3%, p=0.001), with predominantly non-obstructive CAD. Median serum TxB2 (121.5 [92.7–174.0] vs 103.5 [83.0–140.2] pg/ml, p=0.005) and plasma sP-s (27.0 [18.7–35.0] vs 22.0 [16.0–30.0] ng/ml, p=0.006) levels were higher in patients with ACS as compared with the ones with stable chronic angina. The median concentration of TxB2 was significantly increased in women as compared with men, regardless of the clinical presentation and the coronary stenosis degree (all comparison, p<0.001). However, women with non-obstructive CAD were the group with the highest serum levels of TxB2 (140.0 [111.0–152.0] pg/ml). Sex differences in the plasma sP-s level were also observed among patients with stable chronic angina (women, 26 [20.0–34.0] vs men, 21 [16.6–27.7] ng/ml, p=0.002) and with non-obstructive CAD (women, 26 [20.5–34.5] vs men, 18.5 [16.6–26.0] ng/ml, p=0.003). Conclusion(s) Women with IHD and non-obstructive CAD had increased level of TxB2 and sP-s as compared with men, independently by the clinical presentation. Further investigations are warranted to verify the role of platelet hyperactivation in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease among women. Acknowledgement/Funding Scientific Independence of Young Researchers Program (RBSI14HNVT) - Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR)

scholarly journals Sex differences in management and outcomes of patients with stable symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease: Insights from the PROMISE trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 208 ◽  
pp. 28-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha J. Pagidipati ◽  
Adrian Coles ◽  
Kshipra Hemal ◽  
Kerry L. Lee ◽  
Rowena J. Dolor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Artery Disease

scholarly journals Single cell RNA sequencing of the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus larva reveals the blueprint of major cell types and nervous system of a non-chordate deuterostome

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Periklis Paganos ◽  
Danila Voronov ◽  
Jacob M Musser ◽  
Detlev Arendt ◽  
Maria Ina Arnone
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Sea Urchin ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Molecular Fingerprint ◽  
Larval Body ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing

Identifying the molecular fingerprint of organismal cell types is key for understanding their function and evolution. Here, we use single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to survey the cell types of the sea urchin early pluteus larva, representing an important developmental transition from non-feeding to feeding larva. We identify 21 distinct cell clusters, representing cells of the digestive, skeletal, immune, and nervous systems. Further subclustering of these reveal a highly detailed portrait of cell diversity across the larva, including the identification of neuronal cell types. We then validate important gene regulatory networks driving sea urchin development and reveal new domains of activity within the larval body. Focusing on neurons that co-express Pdx-1 and Brn1/2/4, we identify an unprecedented number of genes shared by this population of neurons in sea urchin and vertebrate endocrine pancreatic cells. Using differential expression results from Pdx-1 knockdown experiments, we show that Pdx1 is necessary for the acquisition of the neuronal identity of these cells. We hypothesize that a network similar to the one orchestrated by Pdx1 in the sea urchin neurons was active in an ancestral cell type and then inherited by neuronal and pancreatic developmental lineages in sea urchins and vertebrates.

scholarly journals A spatially restricted fibrotic niche in pulmonary fibrosis is sustained by M-CSF/M-CSFR signalling in monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 1900646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita Joshi ◽  
Satoshi Watanabe ◽  
Rohan Verma ◽  
Renea P. Jablonski ◽  
Ching-I Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Alveolar Macrophages ◽  
Lineage Tracing ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing ◽  
Pharmacological Blockade ◽  
Macrophage Colony ◽  
Druggable Targets

Ontologically distinct populations of macrophages differentially contribute to organ fibrosis through unknown mechanisms.We applied lineage tracing, single-cell RNA sequencing and single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridisation to a spatially restricted model of asbestos-induced pulmonary fibrosis.We demonstrate that tissue-resident alveolar macrophages, tissue-resident peribronchial and perivascular interstitial macrophages, and monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages are present in the fibrotic niche. Deletion of monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages but not tissue-resident alveolar macrophages ameliorated asbestos-induced lung fibrosis. Monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages were specifically localised to fibrotic regions in the proximity of fibroblasts where they expressed molecules known to drive fibroblast proliferation, including platelet-derived growth factor subunit A. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in both humans and mice, we identified macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR) signalling as one of the novel druggable targets controlling self-maintenance and persistence of these pathogenic monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages. Pharmacological blockade of M-CSFR signalling led to the disappearance of monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages and ameliorated fibrosis.Our findings suggest that inhibition of M-CSFR signalling during fibrosis disrupts an essential fibrotic niche that includes monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts during asbestos-induced fibrosis.

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