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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Isolation and Functional Analysis of Mitochondria from Cultured Cells and Mouse Tissue
Published on: March 23, 2015
Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation of FLVCR1 and SOX4 in Regulating Mitochondria-Macrophage Crosstalk in Disc
Ji Zhou1, Yang Zheng2, Xie Zheng1
1People's Hospital of Anji, Huzhou, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a prevalent cause of backache and disability in many people. Mitochondrial homeostasis and macrophage polarization may be pivotal in slowing IDD evolution, but the relationship between mitochondria related genes (MRGs) and macrophage polarization related genes (MPRGs) and IDD is still unclear. This research aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of MRGs and MPRGs during IDD progression through transcriptome data.
Methods:
Publicly available transcriptome datasets were analyzed to identify candidate genes through differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and machine learning. Key findings were further validated in an animal model of lumbar disc herniation. Immune infiltration analysis, regulatory network construction, drug prediction, and molecular docking were used to investigate underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Results:
Two genes, FLVCR1 and SOX4, were identified as central players. Immune analysis showed that FLVCR1 was strongly negatively correlated with monocytes (cor = -0.76), while SOX4 was associated with multiple immune cell types. FOXC1 was identified as a shared transcription factor regulating both genes. Drug prediction suggested Remifentanil and MCDF as promising compounds, with molecular docking supporting the potential binding of Remifentanil to FLVCR1.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the potential roles of FLVCR1 and SOX4 in the development of IDD, providing a reference for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of patients with IDD.
Insights
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) involves mitochondria and immune cells. FLVCR1 and SOX4 genes are key players in IDD, offering potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of back pain and disability.
- Mitochondrial function and macrophage polarization are implicated in IDD.
- The specific roles of mitochondria-related genes (MRGs) and macrophage polarization-related genes (MPRGs) in IDD remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential mechanisms of MRGs and MPRGs in intervertebral disc degeneration progression.
- To identify key genes and pathways involved in IDD using transcriptome data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of public transcriptome datasets.
- Differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and machine learning.
- Validation in an animal model, immune infiltration analysis, regulatory network construction, drug prediction, and molecular docking.
Main Results:
- FLVCR1 and SOX4 were identified as central genes in IDD.
- FLVCR1 showed a negative correlation with monocytes, while SOX4 was linked to various immune cells.
- FOXC1 was identified as a shared transcription factor, and Remifentanil was predicted as a potential therapeutic drug.
Conclusions:
- FLVCR1 and SOX4 play significant roles in the development of IDD.
- This research provides a basis for early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies for IDD.
- Identified genes and potential drugs offer new avenues for managing IDD.
