Aim:This study aims to explore the potential association between nucleotide-binding
oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in oligodendrocytes and Alzheimer's disease
(AD), utilizing a combination of bioinformatics analysis and molecular biology experiments
to validate this relationship.Methods:Public datasets related to AD were systematically retrieved and downloaded from the
Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database at the National Center for Biotechnology Information
(NCBI). Subsequently, the SVA package was employed to merge the data and eliminate batch effects,
allowing for the precise identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AD
patients and healthy controls. Advanced machine learning techniques, including LASSO regression
analysis, random forest algorithms, and support vector machines (SVM), were utilized to analyze
further the DEGs associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome to determine the gene set most
closely related to AD. The effectiveness and clinical value of the gene-based diagnostic model
were comprehensively assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis,
nomogram construction, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Immune infiltration analysis evaluated
the extent of various immune cell infiltrations in the brain tissue of AD patients. Single-cell
transcriptomics and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the molecular expression of NLRP3
in oligodendrocytes within the AD model.Results:A total of 11 significant DEGs were identified, with 4 genes showing downregulation
and 7 genes exhibiting upregulation. All three algorithms—LASSO regression, random forest, and
SVM—consistently identified PANX1, APP, P2RX7, MEFV, and NLRP3 as key genes closely associated
with AD. ROC curve analysis, nomogram modeling, and DCA results demonstrated that
the diagnostic model constructed based on these five genes exhibited high diagnostic accuracy and
clinical applicability. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant correlation between key
genes associated with AD and various immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, monocytes, activated
NK cells, and neutrophils, suggesting that these cells may play important roles in the immunopathological
process of AD. Single-cell transcriptomics indicated that the expression level of
NLRP3 in oligodendrocytes was higher in the AD group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
Additionally, in vitro cell experiments using RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot
analysis confirmed that the expression level of NLRP3 in oligodendrocytes was elevated in the
AD model relative to the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion:This study corroborates the high expression of NLRP3 in AD and its close relationship
with the disease through integrated bioinformatics analysis and molecular biology experiments.
Furthermore, the diagnostic model constructed based on the five key genes—PANX1,
APP, P2RX7, MEFV, and NLRP3—not only provides a robust tool for early diagnosis of AD but
also offers new insights for the development of treatment targets for AD.result:A total of 11 significant DEGs were identified, with 4 genes showing downregulation and 7 genes exhibiting upregulation. All three algorithms—LASSO regression, random forest, and SVM—consistently identified Panx1, APP, P2RX7, MEFV, and NLRP3 as key genes closely associated with AD. ROC curve analysis, nomogram modeling, and DCA results demonstrated that the diagnostic model constructed based on these five genes exhibited high diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant correlation between key genes associated with AD and various immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, monocytes, activated NK cells, and neutrophils, suggesting that these cells may play important roles in the immunopathological process of AD. Single-cell transcriptomics indicated that the expression level of NLRP3 in oligodendrocytes was higher in the AD group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, in vitro cell experiments using RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot confirmed that the expression level of NLRP3 in oligodendrocytes was elevated in the AD model relative to the control group (p < 0.05).