Analysis of genes and underlying mechanisms involved in foam cells formation and atherosclerosis development

Kai Zhang; Xianyu Qin; Xianwu Zhou; Jianrong Zhou; Pengju Wen; Shaoxian Chen; Min Wu; Yueheng Wu; Jian Zhuang

doi:10.7717/peerj.10336

PeerJ (Nov 2020)

Analysis of genes and underlying mechanisms involved in foam cells formation and atherosclerosis development

Kai Zhang,
Xianyu Qin,
Xianwu Zhou,
Jianrong Zhou,
Pengju Wen,
Shaoxian Chen,
Min Wu,
Yueheng Wu,
Jian Zhuang

Affiliations

Kai Zhang: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Xianyu Qin: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Xianwu Zhou: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Jianrong Zhou: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Pengju Wen: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Shaoxian Chen: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Min Wu: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Yueheng Wu: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Jian Zhuang: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10336
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8
p. e10336

Abstract

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Background Foam cells (FCs) play crucial roles in the process of all stages of atherosclerosis. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and macrophages are the major sources of FCs. This study aimed to identify the common molecular mechanism in these two types of FCs. Methods GSE28829, GSE43292, GSE68021, and GSE54666 were included to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with FCs derived from SMCs and macrophages. Gene Ontology biological process (GO-BP) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed by using the DAVID database. The co-regulated genes associated with the two origins of FCs were validated (GSE9874), and their expression in vulnerable atherosclerosis plaques (GSE120521 and GSE41571) was assessed. Results A total of 432 genes associated with FCs derived from SMCs (SMC-FCs) and 81 genes associated with FCs derived from macrophages (M-FCs) were identified, and they were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell cycle/apoptosis. Furthermore, three co-regulated genes associated with FCs were identified: GLRX, RNF13, and ABCA1. These three common genes showed an increased tendency in unstable or ruptured plaques, although in some cases, no statistically significant difference was found. Conclusions DEGs related to FCs derived from SMCs and macrophages have contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the formation of FCs and atherosclerosis. GLRX, RNF13, and ABCA1 might be potential targets for atherosclerosis treatment.

Published in PeerJ

ISSN: 2167-8359 (Online)
Publisher: PeerJ Inc.
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine; Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://peerj.com/

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