Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent yet underdiagnosed. This study aimed to develop a predictive signature, as well as investigate competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and their potential functions in OSA. The GSE135917, GSE38792, and GSE75097 datasets were collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were used to identify OSA-specific mRNAs. Machine learning methods were applied to establish a prediction signature for OSA. Furthermore, several online tools were used to establish the lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs in OSA. The hub ceRNAs were screened using the cytoHubba and validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Correlations between ceRNAs and the immune microenvironment of OSA were also investigated. Two gene co-expression modules closely related to OSA and 30 OSA-specific mRNAs were obtained. They were significantly enriched in the antigen presentation and lipoprotein metabolic process categories. A signature that consisted of five mRNAs was established, which showed a good diagnostic performance in both independent datasets. A total of twelve lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory pathways in OSA were proposed and validated, including three mRNAs, five miRNAs, and three lncRNAs. Of note, we found that upregulation of lncRNAs in ceRNAs could lead to activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In addition, mRNAs in the ceRNAs were closely correlated to the increased infiltration level of effector memory of CD4 T cells and CD56bright natural killer cells in OSA. In conclusion, our research opens new possibilities for diagnosis of OSA. The newly discovered lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks and their links to inflammation and immunity may provide potential research spots for future studies.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.