单细胞测序技术解析血管平滑肌细胞的可塑性在动脉粥样硬化中的作用

Roles of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity in Development ofAtherosclerosis as Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing

动脉粥样硬化(AS)是由多种免疫细胞参与的慢性炎症性病理过程,其中血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)在其全过程中起着关键性影响。既往研究显示VSMC具有很高的可塑性,并可在收缩型与分泌型之间进行互相转化。近年来,随着单细胞测序技术的优化和发展,数项新的研究揭示了VSMC具有向其他不同类型细胞转化的能力,且发挥特定的功能。现围绕单细胞测序技术运用下VSMC的可塑性、调控因素以及它们在AS进程中的复杂作用进行综述,以期对全面认识VSMC功能提供帮助,为临床治疗AS提供新的干预靶点和途径。

Atherosclerosis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving multiple immune cells,with vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC)being crucial at each phase.Prior research has demonstrated that VSMC has notable phenotypic plasticity and can switch between contractile and synthetic phenotypes.In recent years,with the optimization and development of single-cell sequencing technology,several new studies have uncovered that VSMC possesses the capability to transform into other cell types and perform specific functions.This review focuses on the plasticity,regulatory factors,and intricate functions of VSMC in AS process under single-cell sequencing technology,in order to offer a thorough insight into the roles of VSMC and identify new targets and pathways for treating AS clinically.