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image of Identification and Validation of NDRG2 as a Biomarker for Follicular Lymphoma

Abstract

Introduction

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most prevalent form of indolent lymphoma, characterized by intermittent relapse and remission periods. This study aims to identify potential biomarker genes for FL and elucidate their roles in the disease.

Methods

FL-related microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were conducted to identify potential hub genes. Various machine learning algorithms were applied to improve gene selection accuracy and predictive performance. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was carried out to identify genes with causal relationships to FL. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Finally, the identified biomarker gene was validated in clinical samples using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

A total of 60 hub genes were identified through differential expression analysis and WGCNA. Subsequently, 11 characteristic genes were identified using machine learning algorithms. MR analysis revealed 173 genes with causal effects on FL, leading to the identification of one key co-expressed gene, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (), as a potential biomarker for FL. demonstrated strong predictive performance. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant associations between and immune-related pathways in FL. Validation in clinical samples confirmed the relevance of as a biomarker.

Discussion

The integration of machine learning and MR successfully identified as a promising biomarker with a causal relationship to FL. Validation in clinical samples reinforced the reliability of these findings in clinical practice.

Conclusion

By combining machine learning, MR, and experimental validation, was identified and validated as a promising biomarker for FL.

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2025-10-29
2025-12-18

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Identification and Validation of NDRG2 as a Biomarker for Follicular Lymphoma
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673377510251001052420
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673377510251001052420
/content/journals/cmc/10.2174/0109298673377510251001052420
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: Follicular lymphoma ; machine learning ; NDRG2 ; immunity ; biomarker ; Mendelian randomization

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