RNA sequence analysis of differentially expressed genes in left atrial appendage thrombus

(fold change)| >2). Among these, four DEGs-DIRAS3, CYP26B1, PRG4, and ITLN1-exhibited particularly large fold changes. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed two hub genes, FKBP5 and TUBA3D, based on degree (≥ 30) and betweenness centrality (≥ 3000). Quantitative PCR confirmed consistent expression patterns for these genes. Furthermore, consistent results were obtained in another independent set (10 cases with LAAT and 10 cases without LAAT). Linear regression analysis, adjusted for age and gender, showed that DIRAS3 expression was significantly associated with both the fibrosis ratio (β = 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-5.75, p = 0.034) and NT-proBNP levels (β = 373, 95% CI 238-507, p= 5.71E-08). Additionally, CYP26B1 and TUBA3D expression levels were significantly associated with NT-proBNP (β = 349, 95% CI 23.8-674, p= 0.036; β = -140, 95% CI -272 to -8.81, p = 0.038, respectively). We identified candidate genes potentially involved in LAAT in AF patients through RNA-seq analysis. These findings may elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying LAAT pathogenesis.