Moreover, MEX3A knockdown promotes PDA cell apoptosis through a series of apoptosis-related proteins, such as upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins, including Caspase3, Caspase8, and TNF-α; while downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2, Bcl-w, HSP27, IGF-II, Survivin, sTNF-R1 and XIAP. The gene discussed is MEX3A; the disease is Patent ductus arteriosus.