Ultimately, we cross-validated the results of the RRA analysis with the results of animal experiments by taking intersections and identified three key differential genes (including BEX1, RGCC and VSIG4) associated with DCM as well as many important biological processes (extracellular matrix organisation, extracellular structural organisation, sulphur compound binding, and extracellular matrix structural components) and a signalling pathway (HIF-1 signalling pathway). Here, BEX1 is linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.