Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
05:28
Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis
Published on: December 9, 2022
4.3K
Molecular Landscape and Predictive Significance of Programmed Cell Death-Related Genes in Sepsis
Shiqiang Min1, Tao Zhang1, Song Chen1
1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
Human Mutation
|January 16, 2026
Summary
This study reveals programmed cell death (PCD) plays a key role in sepsis by analyzing gene expression. It identifies potential biomarkers for diagnosing sepsis and suggests new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with high mortality.
- The molecular basis of sepsis, especially programmed cell death (PCD), requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore transcriptomic alterations in sepsis.
- To understand the role of PCD in sepsis pathogenesis.
- To identify diagnostic biomarkers for sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis of sepsis and control samples.
- Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify key gene modules.
- Machine learning algorithms for diagnostic model development.
- scRNA-seq validation of identified feature genes.
Main Results:
- The turquoise module from WGCNA strongly correlated with sepsis.
- 262 hub genes, primarily linked to apoptotic pathways, were identified.
- A diagnostic model using eight machine learning algorithms showed high accuracy.
- Seven prognostic-related overlapping feature genes (PRGs) were identified.
- Genes like S100A9 and KLHL3 were linked to neutrophils, crucial in sepsis.
Conclusions:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) significantly contributes to sepsis.
- Identified genes and pathways offer potential therapeutic targets.
- The study provides a foundation for developing novel sepsis diagnostics and therapeutics.
Related Concept Videos
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
8.3K
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
8.3K
01:24Caspases
13.7K
Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside...
13.7K
01:30Overview of Cell Death
9.4K
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
9.4K
01:19Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
7.2K
Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
7.2K
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
8.1K
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
8.1K
02:26Protein Networks
4.5K
An organism can have thousands of different proteins, and these proteins must cooperate to ensure the health of an organism. Proteins bind to other proteins and form complexes to carry out their functions. Many proteins interact with multiple other proteins creating a complex network of protein interactions.
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
4.5K