Identification of key immune-related genes in dilated cardiomyopathy using bioinformatics analysis

Abstract

Background:Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the left ventricular dilatation and impaired myocardial systolic dysfunction with high mortality and morbidity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.Methods:Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was performed using two expression profiles from GSE3585 and GSE8479. Enrichment analysis to explore the potential mechanisms underlying DCM was conducted. A total of four algorithms were used within Cytoscape to identify the hub genes. Correlation analysis between hub genes and infiltrated immune cells to identify potential immune-related genes. The expression analysis and diagnosis value analysis of potential immune-related genes were performed. Finally, the expression analysis with GSE57338 and relationship analysis with the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) were performed for identification of the key immune-related genes in DCM. Results:A total of 80 DEGs were screened for DCM. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in immune-related pathological process. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a potential immune response abnormal in DCM. Four up-regulated genes, including COL1A2, COL3A1, CD53, and POSTN, were identified as potential immune-related genes. Finally, three genes (COL1A2, COL3A1, and POSTN) were determined as the key immune-related genes in DCM via expression analysis with a validation set (GSE57338) and relationship analysis with CTD.Conclusions:Our study suggested that the upregulated COL1A2, COL3A1, and POSTN might be the key immune-related genes for DCM. Further studies are needed to validate the underlying mechanisms.