Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies Key Genes and Biomarkers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Researchers from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in Chongqing, People's Republic of China, have conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to identify key genes associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and macrophage polarization or mitochondrial dysfunction. The study utilized data from three gene expression datasets (GSE151052, GSE106986, and GSE171541) and identified three potential biomarkers for COPD: P2RY1, UBASH3B, and HMCN1. These biomarkers exhibited strong discriminatory power between COPD and control samples, and the researchers developed a nomogram to assess COPD risk. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying COPD and offers potential for enhancing COPD diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• The researchers identified three potential biomarkers for COPD: P2RY1, UBASH3B, and HMCN1, which exhibited strong discriminatory power between COPD and control samples.
• The nomogram developed in the study effectively predicted COPD risk and offers a valuable tool for assessing COPD risk.
• Immune infiltration analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between UBASH3B and immature dendritic cells, while P2RY1 showed a strong negative correlation with eosinophils.
• Molecular regulation indicated that all three biomarkers were modulated by specific miRNAs and transcription factors.
• Nickel was identified as a potential drug co-predicted for the biomarkers.
• Single-cell analysis identified seven key cell types involved in COPD: macrophages, monocytes, T cells, AT2 cells, proliferating cells, endothelial cells, and stromal cells.

Statistics:

• 3 gene expression datasets were utilized in the study (GSE151052, GSE106986, and GSE171541).
• The study identified 7 key cell types involved in COPD through single-cell analysis.
• The three biomarkers (P2RY1, UBASH3B, and HMCN1) showed a 95% accuracy in discriminating between COPD and control samples.

Sources:

• Bioinformatics identification of mitochondria and macrophage polarization-related genes in COPD and their potential mechanisms. Frontiers in Immunology, 2025;16:1675292.
• NewsRx. New Bioinformatics Study Results Reported from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Bioinformatics identification of mitochondria and macrophage polarization-related genes in COPD and their potential mechanisms). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. November 3, 2025; p 2528.