Identification of key pathways and core genes involved in atherosclerotic plaque progression.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis leads to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to atherosclerotic plaque rupture are incompletely characterized. We aimed to identify the genes related to atherosclerotic plaque progression that could serve as novel biomarkers and interventional targets for plaque progression.

METHODS

The datasets of GSE28829 in early . advanced atherosclerotic plaques and those of GSE41571 in stable . ruptured plaques from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed by using bioinformatics methods. In addition, we used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to verify the expression level of core genes in a mouse atherosclerosis model.

RESULTS

There were 29 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the GSE28829 and GSE41571 datasets, and the DEGs were mainly enriched in the chemokine signaling pathway and the infection pathway (P<0.05). We identified 6 core genes (, and ) in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, 3 of which (, , and ) were markedly enriched in the chemokine signaling pathway. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the messenger RNA levels of two core genes ( and ) increased significantly during plaque progression in the mouse atherosclerosis model.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, bioinformatics techniques proved useful for the screening and identification of novel biomarkers of disease. A total of 29 DEGs and 6 core genes were linked to atherosclerotic plaque progression, in particular the and genes.