Molecular profiling unveils pyroptosis markers in preterm birth

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Reproductive Biology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is a complex condition with significant neonatal implications.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying SPTB is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway, has been implicated in various reproductive complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify pyroptosis-related differential expressed genes (PRDEGs) associated with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB).
• To elucidate the molecular pathways and biological functions involving these PRDEGs in SPTB.
• To evaluate the potential of identified PRDEGs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SPTB.

Main Methods:

• Data integration and batch effect correction of publicly available gene expression datasets (GSE120480 and GSE73714).
• Identification and analysis of differentially expressed genes related to pyroptosis in SPTB.
• Functional enrichment analysis (e.g., GO, KEGG) and pathway analysis.
• Experimental validation using gene knockdown techniques.

Main Results:

• Identification of 36 PRDEGs significantly associated with SPTB.
• Functional analysis highlighted the involvement of these genes in amino acid transport and cytokine receptor interaction.
• CEBPA, APOA1, and CEP55 emerged as key genes with significant differential expression.
• Experimental validation confirmed the relevance of these identified genes.

Conclusions:

• Pyroptosis plays a significant role in the molecular pathology of spontaneous preterm birth.
• Specific PRDEGs, including CEBPA, APOA1, and CEP55, are promising molecular biomarkers for SPTB.
• These identified genes represent potential therapeutic targets for preventing or managing premature delivery.