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

PeerJ

article

Kai Zhang¹  Xianyu Qin¹  Xianwu Zhou¹  Jianrong Zhou¹  Pengju Wen¹  Shaoxian Chen¹  Min Wu¹  Yueheng Wu¹  Jian Zhuang¹ 

[1] 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

关键词: Foam cells;    Atherosclerosis;    Smooth muscle cells;    Macrophages;    Differentially expressed genes;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.10336

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundFoam 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.MethodsGSE28829, 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsDEGs 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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY