RNA-binding Protein AZGP1 Inhibits Epithelial Cell Proliferation by Regulating the Genes of Alternative Splicing in COPD

Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates worldwide. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) might regulate genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD patients. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) offers an accurate tool for identifying intercellular heterogeneity and the diversity of immune cells. However, the role of RBPs in the regulation of various cells, especially AT2 cells, remains elusive. Materials and methods A scRNA-seq dataset (GSE173896) and a bulk RNA-seq dataset acquired from airway tissues (GSE124180) were employed for data mining. Next, RNA-seq analysis was performed in both COPD and control patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using criteria of fold change (FC ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 1.5) and P value ≤ 0.05. Lastly, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and alternative splicing identification analyses were carried out. Results RBP genes exhibited specific expression patterns across different cell groups and participated in cell proliferation and mitochondrial dysfunction in AT2 cells. As an RBP, AZGP1 expression was upregulated in both the scRNA-seq and RNA-seq datasets. It might potentially be a candidate immune biomarker that regulates COPD progression by modulating AT2 cell proliferation and adhesion by regulating the expression of SAMD5, DNER, DPYSL3, GBP5, GBP3, and KCNJ2. Moreover, AZGP1 regulated alternative splicing events in COPD, particularly DDAH1 and SFRP1, holding significant implications in COPD. Conclusion RBP gene AZGP1 inhibits epithelial cell proliferation by regulating genes participating in alternative splicing in COPD.