Single-cell RNA sequencing and multiple bioinformatics methods to identify the biomarkers of ischemic stroke to alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Ranked as the world’s second leading cause of mortality, ischemic stroke (IS) imposes a significant global burden, marked by its substantial incidence and economic impact across nations and regions, chiefly attributed to its elevated disability rates. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is linked to a heightened susceptibility to IS. However, few studies have been reported to explain the potential correlation between IS and AD. We investigated the relationship and relevant mechanisms between IS and AD using single-cell RNA sequencing and multiple bioinformatics approaches. By intersecting differentially expressed genes and WGCNA critical module genes, we obtained 15 IS related AD genes. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, the IS related AD disease genes were significantly enriched in the parkinson disease pathway, oxidative phosphorylation pathway, thermogenesis pathway, alzheimer disease pathway and neurodegeneration pathway. Finally, five genes associated with immunity (TXN, HINT1, TOMM7, COX7C, RPL17) were identified in IS related AD. Significantly, it was found that all hub genes were mainly highly expressed in epithelial cells, endothelial cells, monocytes and oligodendrocytes by single cell RNA sequencing. We believe these hub genes may regulate the immune pathway which may contribute to the development of IS related AD. In addition, these genes may be potential targets for the treatment of IS related AD.