Identification and Validation of Key Gene Modules and Pathways in Coronary Artery Disease Development and Progression

The development and progression of atherosclerosis represent a chronic process involving complex molecular interactions. Therefore, identifying the potential hub genes and pathways contributing to coronary artery disease (CAD) development is essential for understanding its underlying molecular mechanisms. To this end, we performed transcriptome analysis of peripheral venous blood collected from 100 patients who were divided into four groups according to disease severity, including 27 patients in the atherosclerosis group, 22 patients in the stable angina group, 35 patients in the acute myocardial infarction group, and 16 controls. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed using R programming. Significant module-trait correlations were identified according to module membership and genetic significance. Metascape was used for the functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes between groups, and the hub genes were identified via protein-protein interaction network analysis. The hub genes were further validated by analyzing Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE48060 and GSE141512) datasets. A total of 9,633 messenger ribonucleic acids were detected in three modules, among which the blue module was highly correlated with the Gensini score. The hub genes were significantly enriched in the myeloid leukocyte activation pathway, suggesting its important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Among these genes, the Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) may play a key role in the progression of atherosclerosis and CAD severity.