Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation of Key Biomarkers for Risk Stratification in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Overview

Journal Arthritis Res Ther

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Rheumatology

Date 2023 Oct 2

PMID 37784152

Authors

Siyuan Tian

Yinan Hu

Miao Zhang

Kemei Wang

Guanya Guo

Bo Li

Yulong Shang

Ying Han

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease, whose etiology is yet to be fully elucidated. Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only first-line drug. However, 40% of PBC patients respond poorly to it and carry a potential risk of disease progression. So, in this study, we aimed to explore new biomarkers for risk stratification in PBC patients to enhance treatment.

Methods: We first downloaded the clinical characteristics and microarray datasets of PBC patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to enrichment analysis. Hub genes were further validated in multiple public datasets and PBC mouse model. Furthermore, we also verified the expression of the hub genes and developed a predictive model in our clinical specimens.

Results: A total of 166 DEGs were identified in the GSE79850 dataset, including 95 upregulated and 71 downregulated genes. Enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were significantly enriched in inflammatory or immune-related process. Among these DEGs, 15 risk-related genes were recognized and further validated in the GSE119600 cohort. Then, TXNIP, CD44, ENTPD1, and PDGFRB were identified as candidate hub genes. Finally, we proceeded to the next screening with these four genes in our serum samples and developed a three-gene panel. The gene panel could effectively identify those patients at risk of disease progression, yielding an AUC of 0.777 (95% CI, 0.657-0.870).

Conclusions: In summary, combining bioinformatics analysis and experiment validation, we identified TXNIP, CD44, and ENTPD1 as promising biomarkers for risk stratification in PBC patients.

Citing Articles

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Animal models of primary biliary cholangitis: status and challenges.

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