# Transcriptomic signatures of subcutaneous adipose tissue in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease: a pilot study

## TL;DR

This pilot study explores how subcutaneous fat behaves differently in people with diabetes and heart disease, identifying genes and pathways that may contribute to these conditions.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel transcription factors and miRNAs in adipose tissue linked to diabetes and coronary artery disease.

## Key findings

- 741 differentially expressed genes were found in adipose tissue from patients with diabetes.
- Apoptosis and immune response pathways were significantly dysregulated in diabetic patients.
- Three miRNAs (miR-27a, miR-335, and miR-146) showed differential expression between groups.

## Abstract

The exact role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the interplay between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is yet to be determined. A prospective cohort study of adult patients with and without T2D undergoing CABG was performed. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected during the procedure and RNA seq analysis was performed. A total of 741 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (332 up- and 409 down-regulated in the T2D group). Our results demonstrated that pathways related to apoptosis and immune response were significantly dysregulated in the adipose tissue of T2D subjects. The main molecular pathways involved were CXCR, NOTCH, STAT, NFKB1 and FGFR pathways, which have a well-documented role in diabetes and CAD. SPI1 and MTF1 were two novel upstream transcription factors identified which have been suggested to be involved in the inflammatory cascade and insulin regulation in diabetes. Three miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two groups (miR-27a, miR-335 and miR-146). These preliminary results provide fertile ground for further research of potential targets for patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease.