Comprehensive Analysis to Identify Key Genes Involved in Advanced Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Advanced atherosclerosis (AA) mechanisms require further elucidation for effective therapeutic targeting.
• Understanding the molecular underpinnings of AA is crucial for developing novel treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify accurate and effective therapeutic targets for advanced atherosclerosis (AA).
• To deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving AA progression.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE28829, GSE120521, GSE43292).
• Performed functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction network analysis, and molecular complex detection to identify hub genes.
• Integrated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with hub genes to define key genes, followed by validation and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).

Main Results:

• Identified 77 significant genes in the key module of GSE28829, primarily linked to inflammation and immunity.
• Discovered 18 hub genes related to immunity and implicated in multiple diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Validated 10 key genes (HCK, ITGAM, CTSS, TYROBP, LAPTM5, FCER1G, ITGB2, NCF2, AIF1, CD86) associated with immune response pathways.

Conclusions:

• Key genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses play a significant role in the development of advanced atherosclerosis (AA).
• These findings enhance comprehension of AA pathogenesis and highlight potential therapeutic targets.