Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals the Role of Shared Cuproptosis- and Ferroptosis-Related DEG DLD in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

Ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Cuproptosis, as a new mode of death, has some similarities with ferroptosis. The primary objective of this study was to develop the role of shared cuproptosis-related differentially expressed genes (CRDEGs) and ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (FRDEGs) in AAA. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of human AAA tissue were used to identify dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), which is involved in cuproptosis and ferroptosis. qRT-PCR and IHC assays further confirmed that the DLD level was substantially higher in the AAA group than in the control group. Finally, experimental verification was conducted to identify that DLD could promote the necrosis, apoptosis and mitophagy of SMCs. In summary, our research identified DLD, linked to cuproptosis and ferroptosis, as differentially expressed in AAA across human and murine samples. DLD's role in regulating SMC necrosis, apoptosis and mitophagy positions it as a potential AAA biomarker and therapeutic target, warranting further investigation for clinical applications.