Transcriptomics and machine learning identify key genes for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Exploring Cong Rong Fang's mechanism

This study aims to address the gap in understanding the precise molecular mechanisms and effective therapeutic targets for Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) by employing transcriptome analysis and machine learning to identify key target genes, thereby exploring new therapeutic avenues. In order to further explore the pathogenesis of the disease and identify potential therapeutic targets, this study conducted a detailed differential expression analysis on transcriptome data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After rigorous data processing and comparison, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the disease group and the control group were successfully identified. Subsequently, advanced machine learning techniques, including LASSO regression and Random Forest analysis, were used to screen these genes, ultimately revealing JUN, PLK2, AKR1C3, PTGS2, and HSD11B2 as significant candidate genes, providing important directions for subsequent research. The research results indicate that these genes were related to pathways such as the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, suggesting their roles in inflammation and immune responses in FSGS. In addition, immune cell infiltration analysis showed significant differences in central memory CD4 T cells and neutrophils between the two different samples, highlighting potential immune mechanisms underlying FSGS pathogenesis. Molecular docking studies confirmed favorable binding affinities for active compounds derived from key herbs within the Cong Rong Fang formulation, such as Cuscutae Semen, with the identified target proteins. These important findings strongly emphasize the close correlation between the identified genes (JUN, PLK2, AKR1C3, PTGS2, HSD11B2) and related pathways in FSGS pathogenesis. The strong binding affinities observed in molecular docking further support their potential as therapeutic targets. Targeting these molecular features may provide a new therapeutic strategy. Future investigations should focus on the clinical applicability of these targets and explore the therapeutic effects of traditional herbal formulations like Cong Rong Fang, potentially improving patient outcomes in FSGS management.