High expression of CASP1 induces atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Genomics
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a progressive vascular disease with unclear genetic underpinnings.
• The specific role of CASP1 gene expression in atherosclerosis pathogenesis requires elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between CASP1 gene expression and atherosclerosis.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in atherosclerosis using bioinformatics.

Main Methods:

• Downloaded and analyzed atherosclerosis datasets (GSE132651, GSE202625) from Gene Expression Omnibus.
• Performed differential gene expression analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction, and functional enrichment analyses (GO, KEGG, Metascape).
• Utilized Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and TargetScan for further analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified 47 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in pathways like PI3K-Akt and PPAR signaling.
• Eleven core genes, including CASP1, NLRP3, and PPARG, were identified.
• CASP1 was highly expressed in atherosclerosis, while other core genes were downregulated; CASP1 expression correlated with worse prognosis.

Conclusions:

• CASP1 gene is significantly upregulated in atherosclerosis and associated with poor patient outcomes.
• The study highlights potential molecular mechanisms involving CASP1 in atherosclerosis development.
• Findings suggest CASP1 as a potential biomarker for atherosclerosis severity and prognosis.