Integrative GWAS and snRNA-seq Reveal a Mesenchymal-Like Endothelial Signature in Moyamoya Disease.

Abstract

Moyamoya disease (MMD) has a strong genetic basis, with the rare <i>RNF213</i> p.Arg4810Lys variant (rs112735431) representing a major risk factor, while the broader genetic architecture and disease-relevant vascular cell types remain incompletely understood. We conducted a genome-wide association study in Japanese individuals (n=47 656; 401 MMD cases and 47 255 controls). Population-level features at MMD risk loci were examined by regional allele frequency and haplotype analyses. We performed single-nucleus RNA-seq of superficial temporal arteries from patients with MMD (n=3). Cell type-specific enrichment of genome-wide association study signals was assessed using the Single-Cell Disease Relevance Score. Endothelial signatures were validated by integration with publicly available single-cell data sets from controls (n=5) and immunohistochemistry for candidate markers (n=1). Beyond rs112735431, we identified a genome-wide significant signal in the <i>HDAC9-TWIST1</i> region (rs12530920; <i>P</i>=3.3×10^-14; odds ratio, 1.77). Conditional analysis on rs112735431 revealed a protective <i>RNF213</i> missense variant, p.Asp1331Gly (rs8074015; <i>P</i>=3.7×10^-⁹; odds ratio, 0.53), whose minor allele was mutually exclusive with rs112735431-A on haplotypes. Population analysis revealed geographic variation and extended haplotype structure of the rs112735431-A allele in Japan. Single-nucleus RNA-seq identified a mesenchymal-like endothelial cell (MEC) population with selective <i>FN1</i> expression. Genome-wide association study-prioritized disease genes were strongly enriched in MECs. MECs showed mesenchymal pathway activation with a regulatory program distinct from canonical endothelial states. The proportion of MECs was markedly increased in MMD (72% versus 28% in controls), and fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression in endothelial regions was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Our findings identify a protective <i>RNF213</i> p.Asp1331Gly variant (rs8074015) that is mutually exclusive with the known rs112735431-A allele. Genetic risk converges on an MEC state markedly expanded in MMD.