Objective:

To identify novel diagnostic genetic biomarkers for early-stage cervical intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and investigate the relationship between key genes and immune cell infiltration in IDD.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• 71 DEGs were identified, including 50 upregulated and 21 downregulated genes in IDD samples.
• KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in inflammation-related pathways.
• CDKN3, SLC22A4, and SYDE1 were identified as key diagnostic biomarkers for IDD.
• CDKN3 expression was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05), while SLC22A4 and SYDE1 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) in cervical IDD specimens.

Interpretation:

The identified genes may contribute to IDD pathogenesis by modulating specific immune cell populations.

Limitations:

• Further studies are warranted to validate the identified biomarkers.

Conclusion:

CDKN3, SLC22A4, and SYDE1 are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of cervical IDD and may serve as promising diagnostic biomarkers.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.