Identification and validation of key autophagy-related genes in Lupus nephritis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. This study aimed to identify key autophagy-related genes and to provide a novel approach for the diagnosis and treatment of LN.

Gene expression profiles from the GEO database were analyzed to identify differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DE-ARGs). Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for these DE-ARGs were conducted. The cytoHubba plug-in and machine learning methods were utilized to identify hub genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these hub genes. The hub genes were further validated using external datasets and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis was conducted to identify immune signatures in LN.

A total of 18 DE-ARGs were identified. These genes are associated with the defense response to viruses and the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway. Among them, IFI27 was identified as a hub gene, validated using external datasets, and confirmed through qRT-PCR. The ROC analysis indicated that IFI27 gene could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker. Furthermore, the IFI27 gene was associated with immune-infiltrated cells and might play a role in adaptive immune-related processes in LN.

IFI27 may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of LN and has the potential to be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for LN. Key Points • IFI27, as an autophagy-related gene, plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of LN. • IFI27 has the potential to be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for LN.