STOmics technology:BGI Stereomics Stereo-Seq

Data type:Spatial transcriptomics

Sample scope:Multiisolate

Summary:Atherosclerosis is a spatially and temporally organized disease in which vascular cell identities are reshaped within the constrained architecture of the arterial wall. Yet how spatial context regulates vascular cell state transitions contributing to atherosclerosis progression remains unresolved. Here, we generate a single-cell-resolution spatial transcriptomic atlas of atherosclerosis in mice, anchored in extensive validation from human lesions, comprising ~3 million cells across multiple disease stages and vascular regions. We develop a spatially informed, cross-species framework that reconstructs smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and transdifferentiation along the intima-adventitia axis. This reveals that loss of PI16 drives SMC-to-fibroblast fate switching, linking defective extracellular matrix remodeling to fibrous-cap destabilization. We further identify hub transcription factors in endothelial cells and SMCs that control early atherogenic remodeling. Together, our study establishes a unified spatial framework for vascular cell plasticity in atherosclerosis with direct translational relevance.

Contributor(s):Yinqi Bai, Yujia Liu, Jiajun Yao, Yan Li, Jinpei Lin et al.

Submitter:方琦(Qi Fang),BGI

Release date:2025-12-31

Updated:2026-02-24