Conclusion
This study used a multi-omics approach to identify six FC-related OA biomarkers (BCL6, ABCA5, ABCA6, CITED2, NR1D1, and SLC7A8) and developed an exploratory risk model. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the FoxO pathway may be linked to these markers, particularly implicating ABCA5 and ABCA6 in cholesterol homeostasis within chondrocytes. These findings highlight ABCA family members as novel contributors to OA pathogenesis and suggest new therapeutic targets.
Methods
We analyzed single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from samples of OA and normal cartilage, focusing on FC. Microarray data were integrated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We conducted functional-enrichment analyses, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO), and used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm to select biomarkers. A novel risk model for OA was constructed using these biomarkers. We then built a transcription factor (TF)-gene interaction network and performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) to validate protein expression levels of these biomarkers in cartilage samples.
Results
The study identified 545 marker genes associated with FC in OA. GO and KEGG analyses revealed their biological functions; microarray analysis identified 243 DEGs on which functional-enrichment analysis were conducted. Using WGCNA and LASSO, we identified six hub genes, on the basis of which we constructed a risk model for OA. In addition, correlation analysis revealed a close association between Forkhead Box (FoxO)-mediated transcription and these these biomarkers. IHC showed significantly lower protein levels of ABCA5, ABCA6 and SLC7A8 in OA samples than in normal samples.