TABLE 5.

Summaries for the function of hub genes.

No.	Gene name	String ID	PPI degrees	Function
1	CD74	ENSP00000009530	2	The protein encoded by this gene associates with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and is an important chaperone that regulates antigen presentation for immune response.
2	FRZB	ENSP00000295113	2	The protein encoded by this gene is a secreted protein that is involved in the regulation of bone development. Defects in this gene are a cause of female-specific osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility.
3	FSTL1	ENSP00000295633	4	Follistatin-related protein 1; May modulate the action of some growth factors on cell proliferation and differentiation.
4	GDF5	ENSP00000363492	2	Growth factor involved in bone and cartilage formation.
5	MYO1C	ENSP00000352834	3	This gene encodes a member of the unconventional myosin protein family, which are actin-based molecular motors.
6	PRELP	ENSP00000343924	3	The protein encoded by this gene is a leucine-rich repeat protein present in connective tissue extracellular matrix. This protein has been shown to bind type I collagen to basement membranes and type II collagen to cartilage.
7	SEMA3F	ENSP00000002829	3	May play a role in cell motility and cell adhesion; Immunoglobulin like domain containing

PPI, protein-protein interaction.