Data from ROP patients in the GEO database (GSE32472) revealed that Killer cell lectin like receptor C4 (KLRC4), Ankyrin repeat domain 22 (ANKRD22), G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84), Neural EGFL like 2 (NELL2), Fc fragment of IgG receptor Ic (FCGR1A), Resistin (RETN), Carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), Annexin A3 (ANXA3), Transcobalamin 1. This evidence concerns the gene NELL2 and retinopathy of prematurity.