Senescent cell networks link matrix remodeling and vascular dysfunction in human fibroids

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Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are highly prevalent benign tumors defined by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, altered vascular structure, and progressive tissue stiffening, yet the cellular programs that coordinate these features remain poorly understood. Cellular senescence has been implicated in fibroid biology, but whether senescence represents a uniform state or distinct, functionally specialized cell identities within fibroids is unknown. Here, we identify the distinct heterogeneous populations of senescent cells (“senotypes”) present in human fibroids and characterize their role in shaping the fibroid microenvironment. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) integrated with a senescence gene signature and protein-level validation, we identify senescent cells (SnC) distributed across fibroblast, mural, and endothelial compartments, each exhibiting distinct transcriptional programs. SnC endothelial cells (ECs) are enriched in fibroids relative to matched myometrium and activate TEAD4 -associated mechanosensing, angiogenic, and immune signaling pathways, despite being associated with impaired vessel maturation in situ . In parallel, SnC fibroblast and mural populations in fibroids upregulated SRF-associated cytoskeletal and ECM programs, accompanied by increased COL6A3 expression and collagen VI deposition, consistent with tissue stiffening. Ligand–receptor and spatial analyses reveal that these SnC populations function as interconnected signaling hubs, coordinating immune cell recruitment and stromal remodeling. Importantly, analysis of human fibroids treated with collagenase demonstrated a reduction in both ECM density and SnC burden, supporting a reinforcing relationship between matrix mechanics and senescence. Together, these findings establish senescence in fibroids as a heterogeneous, mechanically reinforced, and network-driven process that links vascular dysfunction, immune signaling, and fibrosis, highlighting distinct SnC states as potential translational targets for non-surgical therapies.
Funding Information
  • National Institutes of Health (R01HD111243)
  • National Institutes of Health (DP1AR076959)
  • National Institutes of Health (R01HD094380)
  • National Institutes of Health (U54AG079779)
  • National Institutes of Health (UH3CA275681)
  • National Institutes of Health (K99AG081564)
  • L’Oreal USA for Women in Science
  • University of Maryland MPower
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore - Pivot Strategic Investment Initiative

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