Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis

BackgroundThere are currently no reliable diagnostic biomarkers or treatments for lupus nephritis (LN), a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Objective: We aimed to explore gene networks and potential biomarkers for LN by analyzing the GSE32591 and GSE113342 datasets from the Gene Expressi...

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Main Authors: Zhibin Yu, Chenghui Zheng, Yilun Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-12-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1468323/full
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author Zhibin Yu
Chenghui Zheng
Yilun Wang
author_facet Zhibin Yu
Chenghui Zheng
Yilun Wang
author_sort Zhibin Yu
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundThere are currently no reliable diagnostic biomarkers or treatments for lupus nephritis (LN), a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Objective: We aimed to explore gene networks and potential biomarkers for LN by analyzing the GSE32591 and GSE113342 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, focusing on IRF8 and IRF8-related genes.MethodsWe used differential expression analysis, functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and the CIBERSORT algorithm for immune infiltration assessment. To validate the expression levels of the IRF8 gene in the kidneys of lupus mice models, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB). A diagnostic classifier was built using the RandomForest method to evaluate the diagnostic potential of selected key genes. To bridge our findings with potential therapeutic implications, we used the drug-gene interaction database to predict drugs targeting the identified genes.ResultsTwenty co-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with IRF8 exhibiting significant expression differences and potential as a biomarker. Functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways associated with immune response. Validation through qRT-PCR and WB confirmed that the IRF8 gene and its protein exhibited elevated expression levels in the kidneys of lupus mice compared to control groups. The diagnostic classifier revealed impressive accuracy in differentiating LN from control samples, achieving a notable area under the curve values across various datasets. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis indicated significant differences in the immune cell profiles between the LN and control groups.ConclusionIRF8 and its related genes show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LN. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in LN and may support the development of precision medicine strategies for improved patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-dd2c9ead012842a6bc54ee0c92014cb52025-08-20T02:20:49ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122024-12-011510.3389/fphar.2024.14683231468323Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritisZhibin Yu0Chenghui Zheng1Yilun Wang2Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaBackgroundThere are currently no reliable diagnostic biomarkers or treatments for lupus nephritis (LN), a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Objective: We aimed to explore gene networks and potential biomarkers for LN by analyzing the GSE32591 and GSE113342 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, focusing on IRF8 and IRF8-related genes.MethodsWe used differential expression analysis, functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and the CIBERSORT algorithm for immune infiltration assessment. To validate the expression levels of the IRF8 gene in the kidneys of lupus mice models, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB). A diagnostic classifier was built using the RandomForest method to evaluate the diagnostic potential of selected key genes. To bridge our findings with potential therapeutic implications, we used the drug-gene interaction database to predict drugs targeting the identified genes.ResultsTwenty co-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with IRF8 exhibiting significant expression differences and potential as a biomarker. Functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways associated with immune response. Validation through qRT-PCR and WB confirmed that the IRF8 gene and its protein exhibited elevated expression levels in the kidneys of lupus mice compared to control groups. The diagnostic classifier revealed impressive accuracy in differentiating LN from control samples, achieving a notable area under the curve values across various datasets. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis indicated significant differences in the immune cell profiles between the LN and control groups.ConclusionIRF8 and its related genes show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LN. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in LN and may support the development of precision medicine strategies for improved patient outcomes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1468323/fulllupus nephritisIRF8biomarkersdrug-gene interactionimmune infiltration
spellingShingle Zhibin Yu
Chenghui Zheng
Yilun Wang
Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
Frontiers in Pharmacology
lupus nephritis
IRF8
biomarkers
drug-gene interaction
immune infiltration
title Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
title_full Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
title_fullStr Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
title_full_unstemmed Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
title_short Comprehensive analysis of IRF8-related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
title_sort comprehensive analysis of irf8 related genes and immune characteristics in lupus nephritis
topic lupus nephritis
IRF8
biomarkers
drug-gene interaction
immune infiltration
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1468323/full
work_keys_str_mv AT zhibinyu comprehensiveanalysisofirf8relatedgenesandimmunecharacteristicsinlupusnephritis
AT chenghuizheng comprehensiveanalysisofirf8relatedgenesandimmunecharacteristicsinlupusnephritis
AT yilunwang comprehensiveanalysisofirf8relatedgenesandimmunecharacteristicsinlupusnephritis