Background: As the population ages, an increasing number of postmenopausal women are donors of adipose stromal cells (ASCs) and may benefit from autologous ASC-related treatments. However, the effect of menopausal status on ASCs has not been investigated.
Methods: RNA sequencing data were downloaded, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Hierarchical clustering, Gene Ontology, and pathway analyses were applied to the DEGs. Two gene coexpression network analysis approaches were applied to the DEGs to provide a holistic view and preserve gene interactions. Hub genes of the gene coexpression network were identified, and their expression profiles were examined with clinical samples. ASCs from pre- and postmenopausal women were co-cultured with monocytes and T cells to determine their immunoregulatory role.
Results: In total, 2299 DEGs were identified and presented distinct expression profiles between pre- and postmenopausal women. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses revealed some fertility-, sex hormone-, immune-, aging-, and angiogenesis-related terms and pathways. Gene coexpression networks were constructed, and the top hub genes, including TIE1, ANGPT2, RNASE1, PLVAP, CA2, and MPZL2, were consistent between the two approaches. Expression profiles of hub genes from the RNA sequencing data and clinical samples were consistent. ASCs from postmenopausal women elicit M1 polarization, while their counterparts facilitate CD3/4+ T cell proliferation.
Conclusions: The present study reveals the transcriptome differences in ASCs derived from pre- and postmenopausal women and provides holistic views by preserving gene interactions via gene coexpression network analysis. The top hub genes identified by this study could serve as potential targets to enhance the therapeutic potential of ASCs.
Keywords: Adipose stromal cells; Immunoregulation; Postmenopausal; Premenopausal; Transcriptome.