Single-cell transcriptomics reveals predominantly inflammatory endothelial cell responses and suppressed vascular repair in silicosis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Silicosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease without effective treatment options, and its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, particularly the role of endothelial cells (ECs). METHODS: Here, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize endothelial responses in lungs from silica-exposed mice. RESULTS: We identified two functionally distinct endothelial subpopulations: 1. An inflammatory EC subtype, exhibiting significantly increased abundance and characterized by high expression of neutrophil-recruiting factors such as Spp1 (osteopontin), CCL (C-C motif chemokine ligand), and ESAM (endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule), suggesting active involvement in neutrophil influx and persistent inflammation. 2. A reparative EC subtype, marked by upregulation of angiogenesis and vascular repair pathways, which exhibited decreased abundance and functional suppression within the silicotic lung microenvironment. DISCUSSION: These results indicate a pathological shift toward inflammation-amplifying endothelial cells and impaired reparative capacity during silicosis progression. Our findings provide new mechanistic insights into endothelial cell dysfunction in silicosis and highlight potential targets for therapeutic intervention.