THE ROLE OF CELLULAR PLASTICITY OF VASCULAR WALL CELLS AND HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM IN ATHEROGENESIS

Highlights The atherosclerotic process is caused by phenotypic heterogeneity and cellular plasticity of the immune system and vascular wall. Somatic mutations and clonal hematopoiesis with uncertain potential demonstrate a close association with cardiovascular diseases and acute vascular events. Abstract The last decade of cardiogenetic studies focused on inherited germline mutations. Recently researchers demonstrated a significant role of cellular heterogeneity, somatic mosaicism, and clonal hematopoiesis in the risk of coronary disease and acute vascular disorders. Up-to-date technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and mass cytometry, have made it possible to reveal fundamentally new mechanisms for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This review discloses cutting-edge data on atherosclerosis and vascular disorders, focusing on cellular heterogeneity, somatic mosaicism, and clonal hematopoiesis.