Exploration of the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis using Proteomics combined with Transcriptomics

SHEN Yan-li; FENG Wen-guang; SUN Pei-shuang; ZHANG Zi-yao; YI Jin-ling

doi:10.19538/j.fk2025040118

Abstract：Objective To explore specific protein and gene expression profiles associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis(EMs)through integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analyses,thereby providing a theoretical foundation for early diagnosis and therapeutic target study.Methods Ectopic endometrium(PR group),eutopic endometrium(PR_N group),and normal endometrium(NR group)were collected from 5 patients with ovarian EMs from January 2019 to December 2021,at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.Protein quantification analysis was performed using TMT labeling combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and proteins(DEPs)were screened via high-throughput RNA sequencing(Illumina platform),and core pathways were identified through KEGG enrichment analysis.The expressions of candidate genes were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot.Results Transcriptomic analysis identified four DEGs:C7,PDK4,DPYSL3,and MMP1.KEGG pathway analysis revealed upregulation of the complement and coagulation cascades pathways.Integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated concordant expression trends for DPYSL3 at both protein and transcriptional levels,while ZDBF2 exhibited opposing trends.The results of qRT-PCR and Western Blot showed significantly elevated expression of C7,PDK4,and DPYSL3 in the PR group compared to the NR group(P＜0.05),while MMP1 showed transcriptional downregulation but protein-level upregulation.Conclusion EMs-associated DEGs and DEPs,as well as signaling pathways are screened out by integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analyses,providing clues for performing function research and looking for therapeutic targets.