Identification and analysis of autophagy-related key genes in recurrent pregnancy loss based on integrative bioinformatics analysis

Abstract

Background Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common gynecological and obstetric condition. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying RPL remain unclear. Studies have suggested that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RPL. Therefore, this study aimed to identify key genes related to autophagy in RPL using bioinformatics analysis. Results A total of 517 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with significant differences in expression between the RPL and control groups, including IRGQ, NCSTN, IRF2BP1, TSPAN14, PCGF1, ZNF90, PSIP1, SNRPE, LOC148709, and C2orf69. Six autophagy-related DEGs were screened and identified as hub genes, namely FAM115A, RGS11, TRIM59, CENPK, GLRX, and P2RY14, which can identify potential biomarkers for RPL. In addition, immune infiltration analysis revealed significant correlations between FAM115A, RGS11, TRIM59, and monocytes. In patients with RPL, the BILE ACID METABOLISM and KRAS SIGNALING DN signaling pathways were significantly upregulated, whereas FAM115A was associated with several pathways, including HALLMARK_XENOBIOTIC_METABOLISM. The RNA-binding protein (RBP)-mRNA network demonstrated a regulatory relationship between hub mRNA and its RBP, further revealing the correlation between them. Conclusions Six key hub DEGs related to autophagy in recurrent miscarriages were identified. These may serve as potential biomarkers with differential abilities in patients with RPL, further providing a theoretical basis for the prediction and diagnosis of the condition.