LncRNA XIST/miR-381-3P/STAT1 axis as a potential biomarker for lupus nephritis.

Objective: We aim to investigate the potential roles of key genes in the development of lupus nephritis (LN), screen key biomarkers, and construct the lncRNA XIST/miR-381-3P/STAT1 axis by using bioinformatic prediction combined with clinical validation, thereby providing new targets and insights for clinical research.

Methods: Gene expression microarrays GSE157293 and GSE112943 were downloaded from the GEO database to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by enrichment analyses on these DEGs, which were enriched and analyzed to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to screen core genes. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was predicted and constructed based on the miRNA database. 37 female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were recruited to validate the bioinformatics results by exploring the diagnostic value of the target ceRNA axis in LN by dual luciferase and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC).

Results: The data represented that a total of 133 differential genes were screened in the GSE157293 dataset and 2869 differential genes in the GSE112943 dataset, yielding a total of 26 differentially co-expressed genes. Six core genes (STAT1, OAS2, OAS3, IFI44, DDX60, and IFI44L) were screened. Biological functional analysis identified key relevant pathways in LN. ROC curve analysis suggested that lncRNA XIST, miR-381-3P, and STAT1 could be used as potential molecular markers to assist in the diagnosis of LN.

Conclusion: STAT1 is a key gene in the development of LN. In conclusion, lncRNA XIST, miR-381-3P, and STAT1 can be used as new molecular markers to assist in the diagnosis of LN, and the lncRNA XIST/miR-381-3P/STAT1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for LN.