Deciphering molecular heterogeneity of carotid plaques using spatial proteomics

Abstract

We applied an ultra-sensitive, histomorphology-guided spatial proteomics workflow to advanced atherosclerotic carotid plaques to define molecular changes associated with minimum fibrous-cap thickness. Our analyses identified distinct plaque subtypes and showed that thin-cap plaques are enriched for inflammatory, lipid-processing, extracellular matrix remodeling and calcification-related programs concentrated in the necrotic core and fibrous cap.