Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell types involved in fibrosis in atrial fibrillation
Author Information
Author(s): Na An, Yang Fan, Zhang Guoxia, Jiang Yuchen, Liu Haoqi, Gao Yonghong, Li Yingjian, Ji Peifeng
Primary Institution: Guang’anmen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
What are the contributions of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells to fibrosis in human atrial tissue with atrial fibrillation?
Conclusion
The study provides a detailed cellular landscape of atrial tissue in patients with atrial fibrillation and identifies key cell types and signaling pathways involved in fibrosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Single-cell RNA sequencing identified eight different cell types and 23 subpopulations in atrial tissue.
- Fibroblast subpopulation FB3 was significantly increased in atrial fibrillation samples compared to sinus rhythm samples.
- Endothelial cells showed increased expression of fibrosis-related genes in atrial fibrillation.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at heart tissue from patients with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation to see what different types of cells are involved in making the heart stiff and less healthy.
Methodology
Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on right atrial appendages collected from patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting and/or valve replacement.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the surgical sampling of heart tissue and the specific patient population studied.
Limitations
The study had a limited sample size and gender imbalance, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
50% female in the scRNA-seq analysis; 16.7% female in proteomics; 33% female in FISH analysis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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