Analyzing Immune Cell Infiltration and Copper Metabolism in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Wen-Juan Yi1, Yifan Yuan2, Qionglin Bao3
1Department of Dermatology, Zhongnan hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Inflammation Research
|May 22, 2024
Summary
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) involve copper metabolism disruptions. This study identified key genes like SLC31A1 and ADNP, suggesting copper
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus impairs wound healing, particularly in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
- Stress in DFU is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and cuproptosis, a copper-dependent cell death pathway.
- Copper's role in DFU pathophysiology is increasingly recognized, with copper-based therapies showing promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genes associated with copper metabolism in DFU.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for enhancing DFU healing.
- To explore the relationship between copper metabolism and immune cell dysregulation in DFU.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two diabetic wound Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets.
- Identification of differentially expressed genes related to copper metabolism using machine learning.
- Gene ontology, pathway enrichment, immune infiltration, qRT-PCR, and single-cell RNA sequencing validation.
Main Results:
- Ten copper metabolism-associated genes were identified in DFU.
- SLC31A1 and ADNP showed significant differential expression in DFU.
- SLC31A1 was highly expressed in macrophages; ADNP in fibroblasts and chondrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Copper metabolism is closely linked to immune cell infiltration in DFU.
- Altered copper metabolism may drive DFU progression via immune response activation.
- These findings offer novel insights into DFU mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.
