Work

Mendelian Randomization and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Important Roles for CEBPB and CX3CR1 in Osteoarthritis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Chemokines play a pivotal role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), but their exact mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify potential chemokine-associated biomarkers and investigate their causal relationships with OA. Methods: Transcriptome and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were obtained from public databases, while chemokine-related genes (CRGs) were sourced from the literature. Initially, CRGs were expanded, followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, differential expression analysis, machine learning, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve plotting to identify potential biomarkers. The causal relationships between these biomarkers and OA, as well as their biological functions, were further explored. Results: Fourteen candidate genes were identified for machine learning analysis, with DDIT3, CEBPB, CX3CR1, and ARHGAP25 emerging as feature genes. CEBPB and CX3CR1, which exhibited AUCs > 0.7 in the GSE55235 and GSE55457 datasets, were selected as potential biomarkers. Notably, CEBPB expression was lower, while CX3CR1 expression was elevated in the case group. Furthermore, both genes were co-enriched in spliceosome, lysosome, and cell adhesion molecule pathways. MR analysis confirmed that CEBPB and CX3CR1 were causally linked to OA and acted as protective factors (IVW model for CEBPB: OR = 0.9051, p = 0.0001; IVW model for CX3CR1: OR = 0.8141, p = 0.0282). Conclusions: CEBPB and CX3CR1 were identified as potential chemokine-related biomarkers, offering insights into OA and suggesting new avenues for further investigation.

Source: Bioengineering

DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12090930

Authors: Hui Gao, Xinling Gan, Jing He, Chengqi He

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258