Lin J, Li X, Lin Y, Huang Z, He F, Xiong F. Unveiling
FOS as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker and Emetine as a Prospective Therapeutic Agent for Diabetic Nephropathy.
J Inflamm Res 2023;
16:6139-6153. [PMID:
38107383 PMCID:
PMC10725685 DOI:
10.2147/jir.s435596]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the primary causes of end-stage renal disease, yet effective therapeutic targets remain elusive. This study aims to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic candidates for DN.
Methods
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE96804 and GSE142025 were identified and functional enrichment analysis was performed. Diagnostic biomarkers were selected using machine learning algorithms and evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. c-Fos expression was validated in an established DN mouse model. Immune infiltration levels were assessed with Single-Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Co-expression analysis revealed regulatory relationships involving FOS. cMAP predicted potential therapeutic candidates. Transcriptome sequencing and experiments in RAW264.7 cells was performed to investigate molecular mechanisms of emetine.
Results
In both datasets, we identified 44 upregulated and 74 downregulated DEGs involved in focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. FOS emerged as a robust diagnostic marker with decreased expression in DN patients and DN mouse. Co-expression analysis revealed potential regulatory mechanisms of FOS, implicating the MAPK signaling pathway, regulation of cell proliferation and apoptotic signaling pathways. Immune dysregulation was observed in DN patients. Notably, emetine was identified as a potential therapeutic candidate. Transcriptome sequencing and experimental validation demonstrated emetine suppressed M1 macrophage polarization by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as reducing the expression of Il-18 and Ccl5.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study identified FOS as a promising diagnostic biomarker and emetine as a potential therapeutic candidate for DN. These findings enhance our understanding of DN pathogenesis and present novel prospects for therapeutic strategies.
Collapse