Transcription Factor 4 Maintains Endothelial Cell Identity by Inhibiting Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition
The goal of this study is to understand the role of TCF4 and its underlying mechanism in safeguarding the endothelial identity.Methods: In this study, by integrating ChIP-Seq, DNase-Seq, RNA-Seq, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and experimental investigations, we identify TCF4 as an critical EC identity gene that maintains the phenotype and function of vascular ECs.Conclustion: Our results reveal a key role of TCF4 in safeguarding EC identity and preventing EndoMT, suggesting a therapeutic potential of TCF4 for EndoMT-related vascular diseases.