Scavenger receptor class A member 5 (SCARA5) and suprabasin (SBSN) are hub genes of coexpression network modules associated with peripheral vein graft patency

Few genes have been identified as associated with coronary and peripheral arterial graft failure. Using network analysis to cluster genes based on coexpression patterns in cells cultured from vein grafts with known clinical outcome, we found two gene modules associated with graft failure. The hub gene of one module, scavenger receptor class A member 5 (SCARA5), is a cell growth inhibitor, whereas the hub gene of the other module, suprabasin (SBSN), inhibits collagen matrix remodeling. Delineation of the venous cells that express SCARA5 and SBSN in vivo and the roles these genes play in vein graft healing may lead to preventative treatments for vein graft failure.