Study on differentially expressed genes and pattern recognition receptors in osteoporosis based on bioinformatics analysis

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to an increased risk of fractures. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis using bioinformatics approaches, with a focus on pattern recognition receptor-related differentially expressed genes (PRR-related DEGs). Two gene expression datasets (GSE7429 and GSE56815) were retrieved from the GEO database, comprising 30 osteoporosis samples and 30 matched controls. Data integration and batch effect correction were performed using the GEOquery and sva packages, followed by differential expression analysis with limma. A total of 1,052 pattern recognition receptor-related genes (PRR-related genes) were obtained from GeneCards, and 98 PRR-related DEGs were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that these genes are primarily involved in the MAPK cascade, calcium ion homeostasis, leukocyte migration, and the regulation of inflammatory responses. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING, and six hub genes (MDM2, AKT1, ESR1, NCOR1, CCND1, and NCOA2) were identified via CytoHubba. Regulatory networks involving miRNAs and transcription factors were constructed using ENCORI and ChIPBase. ROC curve analysis showed that ESR1 exhibited moderate diagnostic potential (AUC > 0.7). In conclusion, this study systematically identifies PRR-related DEGs and hub genes associated with osteoporosis through integrated bioinformatics analysis. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of immune-related molecular mechanisms and lay the groundwork for future research on potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic strategies.