# Single cell RNA sequencing analysis and molecular biology experiments identify NAFLD-related fibroblasts and highlights seven hub genes in NAFLD

## TL;DR

This study identifies a specific fibroblast population and seven key genes linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), offering insights into its progression and potential diagnostic markers.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel genetic profile of seven hub genes associated with NAFLD pathogenesis, identified through single-cell RNA sequencing and machine learning.

## Key findings

- A distinct fibroblast subset was identified in NAFLD patients, expressing genes related to disease progression.
- Seven hub genes were identified and validated in vivo and in vitro, showing significant expression differences in NAFLD models.
- The genes are functionally linked to the cell cycle and immune infiltration, suggesting roles in NAFLD development.

## Abstract

The Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major chronic liver condition, with its pathology remaining elusive. Consequently, a thorough exploration of the underlying mechanisms driving NAFLD progression is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this metabolism-associated disorder.

The scRNA-seq data from liver specimens of healthy and NAFLD subjects from GSE182365 was examined in the current study. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis and seven machine learning (ML) approaches were employed to identify and confirm a genetic profile that precisely detects this population. Subsequently, we utilized MCP counter and non-negative matrix factorization to explore immune cell infiltration patterns. Lastly, the comparative expression of seven optimal feature genes in vivo and in vitro were confirmed through wet experiments.

Single-cell sequencing findings unveiled a distinct fibroblast subset, differentially infiltrated in NAFLD and control cohorts, expressing genes linked to NAFLD pathogenesis. HdWGCNA and ML algorithms screened and identified the essential signature defining this cohort, comprising 7 genes, with function enrichment analysis indicating their strong link to the cell cycle pathway. Notably, we established a connection between these 7 genes and immune cell infiltration and patient variability. Concurrently, wet experiments illustrated the actual expression disparities of our seven genes in NAFLD and normal models both in vivo and in vitro.

Our investigation has uncovered a distinct fibroblast population closely associated with NAFLD pathogenesis. The related genes, including CCL2, CRYAB, HSBP1, IFIT3, PSMB10, RBX1, and SPARC, with potential promoting or inhibitory roles in NAFLD pathogenesis, were subsequently identified and represented a crucial step in developing prospective clinical diagnostic method for this condition.