Transcriptome profiling of porcine valvular interstitial cells undergoing mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition under osteogenic induction
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a progressive disorder characterized by fibrosis, calcification, and endothelial dysfunction. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) are the predominant cell type within the aortic valve and play key roles in valve remodeling. Recent evidence suggests that VICs exhibit phenotypic plasticity and may undergo mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT) under calcific conditions. To explore the transcriptional landscape of this process, we performed RNA sequencing on primary porcine VICs cultured in growth medium (GM), osteogenic medium (OM) for 8 days, and primary porcine valve endothelial cells (pVECs). This dataset provides a resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying MEndT and its potential contribution to CAVD pathogenesis. Overall design: Primary porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (pVICs) and valve endothelial cells (pVECs) were isolated from healthy pig aortic valves. Three experimental groups were established: pVICs cultured in growth medium (GM) (n = 4 biological replicates), pVICs cultured in osteogenic medium (OM) for 8 days (n = 4 biological replicates), pVECs cultured in growth medium (GM) (n = 4 biological replicates). RNA was extracted from each sample, and sequencing libraries were prepared and sequenced on the Illumina platform. Each group contained four independent biological replicates, yielding a total of 12 samples.