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Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis Research: New Insights from Ossabaw Pig Model

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular disease. A team of scientists from the Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, conducted a study using the Ossabaw pig model, which is physiologically similar to humans. The team performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing of over 36,000 nuclei from aortas of Ossabaw pigs fed chow or atherogenic diets, revealing activation of various signaling pathways and molecular changes closely resembling those seen in human atherosclerosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ossabaw pig model has high potential due to its physiological similarity to humans, making it a valuable translational model for preclinical cardiovascular research.
  • Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of over 36,000 nuclei from aortas of Ossabaw pigs revealed activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), transforming growth factor b (TGF-b), SPP1, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling pathways in atherosclerosis.
  • The study identified smooth muscle cell transitions to synthetic and pro-osteogenic states, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and TREM2+ immune cell phenotypes in the Ossabaw pig model.
  • Advanced fibrotic, immune cell-infiltrated plaques with calcification sites were observed in the Ossabaw pig model, closely resembling those seen in human atherosclerosis.
  • The study provides high-resolution data to support the use of the Ossabaw pig model in preclinical cardiovascular research.
  • Marlene Hausner and Bilal N. Sheikh, along with additional authors, made significant contributions to the study, providing valuable insights into the atherosclerosis process.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed over 36,000 nuclei from aortas of Ossabaw pigs.
  • The study identified activation of BDNF, TGF-b, SPP1, and IL-2 signaling pathways in atherosclerosis.
  • The Ossabaw pig model closely resembles human atherosclerosis in terms of molecular changes and plaque formation.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic Add New Findings in the Area of Life Sciences (Single-nucleus profiling of Ossabaw pig atherosclerosis model). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 6828.
  • iScience. Single-nucleus profiling of Ossabaw pig atherosclerosis model. iScience, 2025;28(10):113464.

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