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Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals PACS1 as a Potential Shared Candidate Biomarker for Apical Periodontitis and
Saixuan Wu1, Sen Wang1, Huicong Bai1
1School and Hospital of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 13, 2026
Summary
This study identifies PACS1 as a shared biomarker linking apical periodontitis (AP) and osteoporosis (OP). PACS1 dysregulation contributes to inflammatory bone loss, offering new insights into these bone diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oral Biology
- Bone Metabolism
- Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- Apical periodontitis (AP) and osteoporosis (OP) share features of chronic inflammation and altered bone metabolism.
- The molecular links between AP and OP are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify shared biomarkers and pathogenic pathways connecting AP and OP.
- Investigate the role of candidate genes in immune-bone crosstalk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus datasets for AP and OP.
- Functional enrichment, GSEA, GSVA, and ssGSEA for immune infiltration.
- Random forest modeling, single-cell RNA sequencing, clinical sample validation, and in vitro assays.
Main Results:
- Identified 43 shared differentially expressed genes, prioritizing FAM87B, ASCL2, and PACS1.
- PACS1 was consistently upregulated in AP and OP, validated in clinical samples.
- PACS1 knockdown promoted osteoblast differentiation and related gene expression.
Conclusions:
- PACS1 may serve as a shared biomarker for AP and OP.
- Findings illuminate immune-bone crosstalk in inflammatory bone loss.
- Suggests potential therapeutic targets for related bone disorders.