Key result
Decreased VSMC TNS1 expression drives transdifferentiation into macrophage-like cells, worsening plaque instability.
Why the study?
Does VSMC-specific Tns1 deficiency promote contractile VSMC transdifferentiation into MP-like SMCs and increase atherosclerotic plaque instability in ApoE-/- mice?
Does VSMC-specific Tns1 deficiency promote contractile VSMC transdifferentiation into MP-like SMCs and increase atherosclerotic plaque instability in ApoE-/- mice?
This study identifies the TNS1 gene as a critical regulator of VSMC phenotype switching, suggesting that its loss drives transdifferentiation into macrophage-like cells and promotes atherosclerotic plaque instability.
TNS1 loss promotes VSMC transdifferentiation and plaque instability in ApoE-/- mice; leaves open whether TNS1 modulation could stabilize human plaques.
Background Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the subtypes of VSMC transdifferentiation and their impact on AS progression and atherosclerotic plaque instability remains unclear. Methods We reanalysed scRNA‐seq datasets of GSE155513 and GSE253903 and performed single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) in three transcriptome datasets from unstable plaques to determine the major subtypes contributing the most to plaque instability. Using high‐dimensional weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), we identified hub genes in macrophage (MP)‐like smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of unstable plaques. We conducted cell communication analysis according to tensin1 ( TNS1 ) gene levels in VSMCs. TNS1 expression was analysed in human AS plaques. Finally, an AS model was established in VSMC‐specific Tns1 knockout ApoE −/− mice to validate the causative role of TNS1 on atherosclerotic lesions. Results MP‐like SMC was identified as the key subtype for plaque instability. hdWGCNA analysis for MP‐like SMC identified blue module as the key gene module involved in unstable plaques. Decreased TNS1 expression in VSMCs was positively correlated with the down‐regulation of contractile VSMC marker genes, SRF and MYCOD genes, negatively correlated with the up‐regulation of CD68 and KLF4 genes, and activated VCAM, PDGF, THBS and CXCL signalling pathways. TNS1 mRNA expression levels were lower in human atherosclerotic arteries than in healthy arteries, and even lower in unstable plaques than in early and stable plaques. TNS1 protein levels in VSMCs were lower in human atherosclerotic plaques than in healthy arteries, and even lower in advanced plaques than in early plaques. VSMC‐specific Tns1 gene deficiency aggravated AS progression and enhanced plaque instability with increased MP‐like SMC transdifferentiation. Conclusion The reduction of TNS1 gene in VSMCs might drive contractile VSMC transdifferentiation into MP‐like SMC, the major subtype contributing to plaque instability. In vivo experimental results confirmed the role of Tns1 gene in contractile VSMC transdifferentiation into MP‐like SMC and plaque instability.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Yang et al. (2026) studied Atherosclerosis and plaque instability. TNS1 gene downregulation vs. Normal TNS1 gene expression (TNS1-pos VSMCs) / Healthy arteries was evaluated on Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) transdifferentiation into macrophage-like SMCs and plaque instability. Decreased TNS1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells drives their transdifferentiation into macrophage-like cells, worsening atherosclerosis progression and enhancing plaque instability.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: