Gene array of laser capture microdissectioned human diabetic vs non-diabetic plaque macrophages. Gene array of laser capture microdissectioned human diabetic vs non-diabetic plaque macrophages

The aim of this study was to understand if gene expression in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages is altered by diabetes. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to specifically isolate macrophage enriched regions from human carotid atherosclerotic plaque samples. RNA isolated was then sent for sequencing using the Illumina bead array system. Gene expression data revealed that 106 genes from diabetic macrophages are differentially expressed (FDR<0.2) and provide mechanistic evidence for the involvement of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) in the development of diabetic atherosclerosis. Overall design: Carotid plaques were defined as being either control (non-diabetic), diabetic, symptomatic (had experienced either a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or cerebrovascular accident(CVA)). Samples analysed totaled 16 non-diabetic (control) samples containing 6 asymptomatic, 10 symptomatic and 8 diabetic plaque samples - containing 6 asymptomatic and 2 symptomatic.