This study explored the role of lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) in the immune microenvironment of asthma using bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Through transcriptome analysis of the GSE74986 dataset, three hub genes—ASAH1, ACER3, and SGPP1—were identified as key regulators involved in pathways like protein secretion, mTORC1 signaling, and fatty acid metabolism. Patients with asthma showed higher immune infiltration by CD8+ T cells, activated NK cells, and monocytes, and lower M0 macrophage levels compared to controls. Notably, ASAH1, ACER3, and SGPP1 negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells and NK cells, and positively with M0 macrophages, suggesting their regulatory role in immune cell balance.
A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, highlighting SNHG9–miR-615-3p–ACER3 as a potential axis in asthma pathogenesis. Experimental models, including OVA-induced asthma and IL-13-treated cell models, confirmed the differential expression and regulatory relationships among these genes. These findings indicate that ASAH1, ACER3, and SGPP1 may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and underscore the influence of lipid metabolism on immune activation in asthma.
Reference: Jia Y, Wang H, Ma B, et al. Lipid metabolism-related genes are involved in the occurrence of asthma and regulate the immune microenvironment. BMC Genomics. 2024 Feb 1;25(1):129. doi: 10.1186/s12864-023-09795-3. PMID: 38297226; PMCID: PMC10832186.
