ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify key pathological genes in osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe searched and downloaded mRNA expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of joint synovial tissues from OA and normal individuals. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to assess the function of identified DEGs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and transcriptional factors (TFs) regulatory network were used to further explore the function of identified DEGs. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to validate the result of bioinformatics analysis. Electronic validation was performed to verify the expression of selected DEGs. The diagnosis value of identified DEGs was accessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsA total of 1085 DEGs were identified. KEGG pathway analysis displayed that Wnt was a significantly enriched signalling pathway. Some hub genes with high interactions such as USP46, CPVL, FKBP5, FOSL2, GADD45B, PTGS1, and ZNF423 were identified in the PPI and TFs network. The results of qRT-PCR showed that GADD45B, ADAMTS1, and TFAM were down-regulated in joint synovial tissues of OA, which was consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of USP46, CPVL, FOSL2, and PTGS1 in electronic validation were compatible with the bio-informatics result. CPVL and TFAM had a potential diagnostic value for OA based on the ROC analysis.ConclusionThe deregulated genes including USP46, CPVL, FKBP5, FOSL2, GADD45B, PTGS1, ZNF423, ADAMTS1, and TFAM might be involved in the pathology of OA.Cite this article: X. Zhang, Y. Bu, B. Zhu, Q. Zhao, Z. Lv, B. Li, J. Liu. Global transcriptome analysis to identify critical genes involved in the pathology of osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:298–307. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.74.BJR-2017-0245.R1.

An international multi-year project is investigating and monitoring the Ripley Landslide, 7 km south of Ashcroft, British Columbia. The aim of this collaborative work is to better understand and manage landslides along Canada's western railway corridor. From 2013 to 2016, the China Geological Survey (CGS) and Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) collaborated to test and evaluate experimental fibre Bragg grating (FBG) and Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry (BOTDR) technologies on an active landslide for the first time in Canada. Open File 8258 describes the operational procedures for these monitoring systems. FBG and BOTDR monitoring systems were installed on a lock-block retaining wall that separates the Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) tracks. This vital component of railway infrastructure crosses the southern extent of the main slide body; and was monitored with the aims of better understanding the deformation mechanisms and potential triggers for sudden movement; and managing the risks associated with railway operations. Monitoring data was processed on site then accessed by wireless transmitter from remote terminals at the CGS and GSC offices. Results, discussed in the context of interpretations from other physical surveys of the landslide, provide new insight into the nature and distribution of surficial earth materials, their stratigraphic relationships, internal structure of the landslide, and structural integrity of critical railway infrastructure. This study demonstrates that optical fibre sensing real-time techniques are viable, cost effective monitoring methods that can ensure the safety and security of the railways, thereby reducing risks to national public safety, the environment, natural resources and international economies.