SHKBP1 is a target for sepsis: evidence from WGCNA and multiple machine learning algorithms

Background Identifying novel biomarkers for sepsis is essential for improving patient outcomes. Cuproptosis, a recently discovered form of cell death associated with various diseases, has an unclear relationship with sepsis. This study aimed to elucidate the expression patterns of cuproptosis-related genes(CRGs) in sepsis, identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods We investigated the expression patterns of cuproptosis-related genes in sepsis and performed consensus clustering. A diagnostic model for sepsis was constructed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with four machine learning algorithms. Prognosis-related genes were identified via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and validated in septic mice. Results We identified 28 differentially expressed CRGs and characterized a specific immune landscape. Our findings showed that sepsis samples could be divided into two clusters based on CRGs expression. We established a diagnostic model based on five key genes(SHKBP1,ICAM2,CTSD,SNX3, and SLC22A4), and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that SHKBP1 was significantly correlated with both the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis. Conclusion Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of CRGs expression in sepsis, establishes a diagnostic model, and identifies SHKBP1 as a biomarker for both diagnosis and prognosis prediction, offering new insights for sepsis management.