Identification and validation of mitochondrial endoplasmic reticulum membrane-related genes in atherosclerosis.

The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane is implicated in atherosclerosis (AS). However, its precise molecular mechanisms remain undefined. This study identified KLRC1 and SOCS2 as key protective genes against AS through transcriptomic analysis integrated with Mendelian randomization. Both genes exhibited significantly reduced expression in the AS group. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between activated CD8 T cells and these genes, while eosinophils displayed the most pronounced negative correlation with KLRC1, and regulatory T cells exhibited the strongest negative association with SOCS2. Notably, SOCS2 emerged as a pivotal protective factor, offering novel insights into AS pathogenesis and providing a robust theoretical foundation for early diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies.