Abstract
Phytosterols (PS) and sterol oxidation products are key dietary factors influencing atherosclerosis besides cholesterol, although the mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revealed the heterogeneity of multiple cell types associated with complex pathogenesis in atherosclerosis development. Here, scRNA-seq is performed to investigate the alterations in the aortic cells from ApoE-/- mice induced by diet-derived PS or two sterol oxidation products, phytosterols oxidation products (POPs), and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). The study identifies four fibroblast subpopulations with different functions, and immunofluorescence demonstrates their spatial heterogeneity, providing evidence that suggests the transformation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts in atherosclerosis. The composition and gene expression profiles of aortic cells change broadly in response to PS/COPs/POPs exposure. Notably, PS exhibits an atheroprotective effect where different gene expressions are mainly found in B cells. Exposure to COPs accelerates atherosclerosis and results in marked alternations in myofibroblast subpopulations and T cells, while POPs only alter fibroblast subpopulations and B cells. The data elucidate the effects of dietary PS/COPs/POPs on aortic cells during atherosclerosis development, especially on the newly identified fibroblast subpopulations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.