โก Quick Summary
A recent study identified TLR2, CCR1, IRF8, and CCL4 as promising biomarkers for atherosclerosis progression and therapy response, utilizing advanced multi-omics approaches. The findings suggest a robust nomogram model for risk prediction and highlight the potential of simvastatin as a targeted therapy.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Datasets Used: GSE28829 (gene expression), GSE159677 (single-cell analysis)
- ๐งฉ Analytical Techniques: WGCNA, Limma, gene ontology/KEGG, machine learning
- โ๏ธ Machine Learning Models: LASSO, Random Forest, artificial neural networks
- ๐ Key Findings: Four biomarkers with AUC > 0.8 for diagnostic accuracy
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ฌ Multi-omics study reveals novel biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
- ๐ High diagnostic accuracy achieved with TLR2, CCR1, IRF8, and CCL4.
- ๐งฌ Immune analysis indicates altered macrophage/T cell profiles.
- ๐ Robust nomogram model aids in risk prediction for patients.
- ๐ Simvastatin shows strong docking potential to target proteins.
- ๐ Findings advance understanding of atherosclerosis and personalized treatment.
- ๐งฉ Machine learning enhances the identification of therapeutic targets.
- ๐ Study published in Medicine (Baltimore), 2025.

๐ Background
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a significant vascular disease characterized by plaque buildup in arteries, leading to serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Traditional diagnostic methods often fall short in early detection and understanding plaque biology. This study aims to bridge that gap by identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic targets through innovative bioinformatics and machine learning techniques.
๐๏ธ Study
Conducted by Zhou et al., this study utilized data from the Gene Expression Omnibus to analyze gene expression and single-cell profiles related to atherosclerosis. The researchers employed various computational methods, including Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning algorithms, to identify key gene modules and biomarkers associated with immune processes in AS.
๐ Results
The study identified 238 differentially expressed genes linked to immune processes, with four biomarkersโTLR2, CCR1, IRF8, and CCL4โdemonstrating high diagnostic accuracy (AUC > 0.8). The immune analysis revealed significant alterations in macrophage and T cell profiles, indicating a strong correlation between these biomarkers and monocyte/macrophage activity. The nomogram model developed proved to be robust in predicting patient risk.
๐ Impact and Implications
The implications of this study are profound, as it not only enhances our understanding of atherosclerosis but also provides valuable tools for early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. The identification of these biomarkers could lead to more targeted therapies, improving patient outcomes and potentially reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
๐ฎ Conclusion
This study highlights the transformative potential of multi-omics approaches in understanding and treating atherosclerosis. By identifying novel biomarkers and developing predictive models, we are moving towards a future where personalized medicine can significantly improve patient care. Continued research in this area is essential for further advancements in cardiovascular health.
๐ฌ Your comments
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TLR2, CCR1, IRF8, and CCL4 as biomarkers for atherosclerosis progression and therapy response: A multi-omics study.
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a growing vascular disease linked to plaque buildup, causing blood flow issues. Current diagnosis relies on symptoms and imaging, which are limited for early detection and plaque biology assessment. Treatments focus on symptoms but don’t address root causes, leading to complications. This study aims to find new diagnostic markers and therapies using bioinformatics and machine learning. Data from gene expression omnibus datasets (GSE28829 for gene expression, GSE159677 for single-cell analysis) were analyzed via WGCNA to identify gene modules, Limma for differentially expressed genes, and gene ontology/KEGG for pathway enrichment. Protein-Protein Interaction networks, machine learning (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, Random Forest, artificial neural network), immune infiltration (CIBERSORT), and single-cell RNA-seq were used. A nomogram model was built, and candidate drugs (e.g., simvastatin) were tested via molecular docking. Key modules (turquoise) and 238 differentially expressed genes linked to immune processes. Four biomarkers (toll like receptor 2, CCR1, interferon regulatory factor 8, CCL4) showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUCโ >โ 0.8). Immune analysis revealed altered macrophage/T cell profiles, with biomarkers correlating to monocyte/macrophage activity. The nomogram model was robust, and simvastatin docked strongly to target proteins. toll like receptor 2, CCR1, interferon regulatory factor 8, and CCL4 are novel AS biomarkers linked to immune pathways. The nomogram aids risk prediction, and simvastatin shows potential as a targeted therapy. Findings advance AS understanding and offer tools for early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Author: [‘Zhou W’, ‘Huang M’, ‘Li H’, ‘Shi J’]
Journal: Medicine (Baltimore)
Citation: Zhou W, et al. TLR2, CCR1, IRF8, and CCL4 as biomarkers for atherosclerosis progression and therapy response: A multi-omics study. TLR2, CCR1, IRF8, and CCL4 as biomarkers for atherosclerosis progression and therapy response: A multi-omics study. 2025; 104:e46647. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000046647