Objective
To ascertain the function of necroptosis in IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) using bioinformatic techniques.
Methods
GSE10667 and GSE24206 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (NRDEGs) were identified based on the differentially expressed gene (DEG) and necroptosis gene collection. The gene enrichment signaling pathways in IPF were assessed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were created and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape, which also identified essential NRDEG functional components. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) were used for pathway enrichment analyses of NRDEGs. The necroptosis-related transcription factor-target gene regulatory network was built using the CellMiner database, and immune infiltration patterns were examined using the CIBERSORTx algorithm. Results: IPF samples showed significant enrichment and activation of the necroptosis pathway. PEL1, MEFV, and SERTAD1 were among the 44 NRDEGs identified.Hub genes were abundant in the IL-17 signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, and apoptosis, and the NRDEGs were largely involved in endopeptidase activity and ficolin-1-rich granules. Twenty-two possible immune cells, including neutrophils, NK cells, CD4, and CD8, were elevated in both datasets.
Conclusion
We found differential genes related to IPF necroptosis and various immune cell infiltrates, among which CHL1, EGFR, and KRT14, and NRDEG-related drugs and compounds might provide new targets for treatment of IPF.