Mapping the Cellular Origins of Atherosclerotic Plaque

A primary source of morbidity and mortality, atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by plaque formation in the arteries. While the exact cellular origin of atherosclerosis is unknown, recent research indicates that immune cells may help build plaque. The interactions within the plaque niche can be studied utilizing histology, spatial transcriptome analysis with Visium, and protein visualization with CODEX to support this. The role of amphiregulin (AREG), a secretion factor commonly associated with cancer and inflammation, in atherosclerotic plaque is also being investigated. AREG’s prevalence during inflammation and fibrosis is hypothesized to be correlated with plaque progression. After looking into immune cell and AREG interaction within the plaque environment, we aim to use lineage tracing models to track individual cell origins through the use of a Rainbow mouse reporter line. Overall, this research may aid in locating possible targets for tracking the onset of disease and modifying disease progression.