Work

Transcriptomic characterization of lung pericytes in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin and internal organs, including the lung. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death in SSc patients. Pericytes are key regulators of vascular integrity and endothelial function. The role that pericytes play in SSc-PF remains unclear. We compared the transcriptome of pericytes from SSc-PF lungs (SScL) to pericytes from normal lungs (NORML). We identified 1,179 differentially expressed genes in SScL pericytes. Pathways enriched in SScL pericytes included prostaglandin, PI3K-AKT, calcium, and vascular remodeling signaling. Decreased cyclic AMP production and altered phosphorylation of AKT in response to prostaglandin E2 in SScL pericytes demonstrate the functional consequence of changes in the prostaglandin pathway that may contribute to fibrosis. The transcriptomic signature of SSc lung pericytes suggests that they promote vascular dysfunction and contribute to the loss of protection against lung inflammation and fibrosis.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110010

Authors: Ludivine Renaud, Carole L. Wilson, Robert Lafyatis, Lynn M. Schnapp, Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick

Institutions: Medical University of South Carolina, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Systemic Sclerosis and Related Diseases

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,150