The influence of CLEC5A on early macrophage-mediated inflammation in COPD progression.

Methods: This study analyzed lung tissue sequencing data from early-stage COPD patients (GSE47460) and smoke-exposed mice. We employed Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning to identify potential pathogenic genes. Further analyses included single-cell sequencing from mice and COPD patients to identify gene expression in specific cell subgroups. Cell-chat and pseudo-temporal analyses were conducted, with findings validated in smoke-exposed mice. Additionally, Mendelian randomization (MR) was utilized to verify the relationship between candidate genes and lung function/COPD. Lastly, functional validation was performed in vitro in cell cultures. Results: "Machine learning analysis of 30 differentially expressed genes pinpointed 8 key genes, with CLEC5A identified as a potential pathogenic factor in early COPD. Bioinformatics suggested CLEC5A's role in macrophage-mediated inflammation in COPD. Two-sample Mendelian randomization linked CLEC5A SNPs with FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and emphysema/chronic bronchitis. In vitro, CLEC5A knockdown reduced inflammatory markers in macrophages. Conclusion: Our study identifies CLEC5A as a pivotal gene in early-stage COPD, contributing to its pathogenesis through pro-inflammatory mechanisms. This discovery offers insights for early diagnosis and treatment strategies in COPD, highlighting CLEC5A as a target for further research.