Integrative single cell RNA ‐sequencing and spatial transcriptomics uncovers distinct macrophage‐fibroblast cross‐talk in human hip synovium between patients with femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and synovitis have been recognized as essential factors for developing osteoarthritis (OA) in the hip joints. However, little is known about altered synovial cellular compositions, their associated transcriptomic profiles, and cell-cell interactions in FAI and hip OA. METHODS: Synovial samples from a sex-matched cohort of FAI and hip OA patients (n = 6/condition) were analyzed using integrative single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. RESULTS: lining FLS along with most MΦ and monocyte populations are unique to hip OA patients compared to knee OA and RA patients. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study offer a groundwork in tailoring novel targets and therapies for FAI and hip OA patients.