scholarly journals Comprehensive Analysis of Pertinent Genes and Pathways in Atrial Fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Yanzhe Wang ◽  
Wenjuan Cai ◽  
Liya Gu ◽  
Xuefeng Ji ◽  
Qiusheng Shen

Purpose. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in clinical practice. The pathogenesis of AF is not yet clear. Therefore, exploring the molecular information of AF displays much importance for AF therapy. Methods. The GSE2240 data were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R limma software package was used to screen DEGs. Based on the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) databases, we conducted the functions and pathway enrichment analyses. Then, the STRING and Cytoscape software were employed to build Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and screen for hub genes. Finally, we used the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiment to explore the effect of hub gene knockdown on the proliferation of AF cells. Result. 906 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 542 significantly upregulated genes and 364 significantly downregulated genes, were screened in AF. The genes of AF were mainly enriched in vascular endothelial growth factor-activated receptor activity, alanine, regulation of histone deacetylase activity, and HCM. The PPI network constructed of significantly upregulated DEGs contained 404 nodes and 514 edges. Five hub genes, ASPM, DTL, STAT3, ANLN, and CDCA5, were identified through the PPI network. The PPI network constructed by significantly downregulated genes contained 327 nodes and 301 edges. Four hub genes, CDC42, CREB1, AR, and SP1, were identified through this PPI network. The results of CCK-8 experiments proved that knocking down the expression of CDCA5 gene could inhibit the proliferation of H9C2 cells. Conclusion. Bioinformatics analyses revealed the hub genes and key pathways of AF. These genes and pathways provide information for studying the pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of AF and have the potential to become biomarkers in AF treatment.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Feng Xu ◽  
Fang Fang

Abstract Background: Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI) is a potentially lethal complication associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality worldwide, especially in the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the fundamental mechanisms of this complication were still not fully elucidated. Thus, we conducted this study to identify hub genes and biological pathways of sepsis-associated ALI, mainly focus on two pathways of LPS and HMGB1. Methods: Gene expression profile GSE3037 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including 8 patients with sepsis-induced acute lung injury, with 8 unstimulated blood neutrophils, 8 LPS- induced neutrophils and 8 HMGB1-induced neutrophils. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identifications, Gene Ontology (GO) function analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network constructions were performed to obtain hub genes and relevant biological pathways.Results: We identified 534 and 317 DEGs for LPS- and HMGB1-induced ALI, respectively. The biological pathways involved in LPS- and HMGB1-induced ALI were also identified accordingly. By PPI network analysis, we found that ten hub genes for LPS-induced ALI (CXCL8, TNF, IL6, IL1B, ICAM1, CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1A, IL1RN and CXCL3) and another ten hub genes for HMGB1-induced ALI (CCL20, CXCL2, CXCL1, CCL4, CXCL3, CXCL9, CCL21, CXCR6, KNG1 and SST). Furthermore, by combining analysis, the results revealed that genes of TNF, CCL20, IL1B, NFKBIA, CCL4, PTGS2, TNFAIP3, CXCL2, CXCL1 and CXCL3 were potential biomarkers for sepsis-associated ALI. Conclusions: Our study revealed that ten hub genes associated with sepsis-induced ALI were TNF, CCL20, IL1B, NFKBIA, CCL4, PTGS2, TNFAIP3, CXCL2, CXCL1 and CXCL3, which may serve as genetic biomarkers and be further verified in prospective experimental trials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingni Wu ◽  
Xiaomeng Xia ◽  
Ye Hu ◽  
Xiaoling Fang ◽  
Sandra Orsulic

Endometriosis has been associated with a high risk of infertility. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of infertility in endometriosis remains poorly understood. In our study, we aimed to discover topologically important genes related to infertility in endometriosis, based on the structure network mining. We used microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to construct a weighted gene co-expression network for fertile and infertile women with endometriosis and to identify gene modules highly correlated with clinical features of infertility in endometriosis. Additionally, the protein–protein interaction network analysis was used to identify the potential 20 hub messenger RNAs (mRNAs) while the network topological analysis was used to identify nine candidate long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Functional annotations of clinically significant modules and lncRNAs revealed that hub genes might be involved in infertility in endometriosis by regulating G protein-coupled receptor signaling (GPCR) activity. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that the phospholipase C-activating GPCR signaling pathway is correlated with infertility in patients with endometriosis. Taken together, our analysis has identified 29 hub genes which might lead to infertility in endometriosis through the regulation of the GPCR network.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 117693432110237
Author(s):  
Kailin Mao ◽  
Fang Lin ◽  
Yingai Zhang ◽  
Hailong Zhou

Gefitinib resistance is a serious threat in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Elucidating the underlying mechanisms and developing effective therapies to overcome gefitinib resistance is urgently needed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the gene expression profile GSE122005 between gefitinib-sensitive and resistant samples. GO and KEGG analyses were performed with DAVID. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established to visualize DEGs and screen hub genes. The functional roles of CCL20 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) were examined using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly concentrated in inflammatory, cell chemotaxis, and PI3K signal regulation. Ten hub genes were identified based on the PPI network. The survival analysis of the hub genes showed that CCL20 had a significant effect on the prognosis of LUAD patients. GSEA analysis showed that CCL20 high expression group was mainly enriched in cytokine-related signaling pathways. In conclusion, our analysis suggests that changes in inflammation and cytokine-related signaling pathways are closely related to gefitinib resistance in patients with lung cancer. The CCL20 gene may promote the formation of gefitinib resistance, which may serve as a new biomarker for predicting gefitinib resistance in patients with lung cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaowei Li ◽  
Li Li

Abstract Background Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is a common cause of death among women with gynecological cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to have vital roles in tumorigenesis of OC. Although miRNAs are broadly recognized in OC, the role of has-miR-182-5p (miR-182) in OC is still not fully elucidated. Methods We evaluated the significance of miR-182 expression in OC by using analysis of a public dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and a literature review. Furthermore, we downloaded three mRNA datasets of OC and normal ovarian tissues (NOTs), GSE14407, GSE18520 and GSE36668, from GEO to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then the targeted genes of hsa-miR-182-5p (TG_miRNA-182-5p) were predicted using miRWALK3.0. Subsequently, we analyzed the gene overlaps integrated between DEGs in OC and predicted target genes of miR-182 by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the prognostic effects of the hub genes were analyzed. Results A common pattern of up-regulation for miR-182 in OC was found in our review of the literature. A total of 268 DEGs, both OC-related and miR-182-related, were identified, of which 133 genes were discovered from the PPI network. A number of DEGs were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, pathways in cancer, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interaction. Two hub genes, MCM3 and GINS2, were significantly associated with worse overall survival of patients with OC. Furthermore, we identified covert miR-182-related genes that might participate in OC by network analysis, such as DCN, AKT3, and TIMP2. The expressions of these genes were all down-regulated and negatively correlated with miR-182 in OC. Conclusions Our study suggests that miR-182 is essential for the biological progression of OC.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingdi Zhang ◽  
Kejin Wu ◽  
Maoli Wang ◽  
Fang Bai ◽  
Hongliang Chen

Abstract Background : Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is one of the most rare and aggressive subtype of primary breast cancer (BC). Our study aimed to explore hub genes related to the pathogenesis of IBC, which could be considered as novel molecular biomarkers for IBC diagnosis and prognosis. Material and Methods: Two datasets from gene expression omnibus database (GEO) were selected. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for the DEGs were performed. We analyzed the prognostic values of hub genes in the Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Connectivity Map (CMap) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to find candidate small molecules capable to reverse the gene status of IBC. Results : 157 DEGs were selected in total. We constructed the PPI network with 154 nodes interconnected by 128 interactions. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched in apoptosis, pathways in cancer and insulin signaling pathway. PTEN, PSMF1, PSMC6, AURKB, FZR1, CASP9, CASP6, CASP8, BAD, AKR7A2, ZNF24, SSX2IP, SIGLEC1, MS4A4A and VSIG4 were selected as hub genes based on the high degree of connectivity. Six hub genes (PSMC6, AURKB, CASP9, BAD, ZNF24 and SSX2IP) that were significantly associated with the prognosis of breast cancer. The expression of CASP9 protein was associated with prognosis and immune cells infiltration of breast cance. CASP9- naringenin (NGE) is expected to be the most promising candidate gene-compound interaction for the treatment of IBC. Conclusion : Taken together, CASP9 can be used as a prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target in IBC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanxi Wan ◽  
Xinwei Huang ◽  
Peilin Cong ◽  
Mengfan He ◽  
Aiwen Chen ◽  
...  

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease whose etiology remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore hub genes and pathways related to IPF development and prognosis. Multiple gene expression datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified to investigate Hub modules and genes correlated with IPF. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed on selected key genes. In the PPI network and cytoHubba plugin, 11 hub genes were identified, including ASPN, CDH2, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL14A1, CTSK, MMP1, MMP7, POSTN, and SPP1. Correlation between hub genes was displayed and validated. Expression levels of hub genes were verified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Dysregulated expression of these genes and their crosstalk might impact the development of IPF through modulating IPF-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Among these genes, expression levels of COL1A1, COL3A1, CTSK, MMP1, MMP7, POSTN, and SPP1 were positively correlated with IPF prognosis. The present study provides further insights into individualized treatment and prognosis for IPF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6505
Author(s):  
Jishizhan Chen ◽  
Jia Hua ◽  
Wenhui Song

Applying mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), together with the distraction osteogenesis (DO) process, displayed enhanced bone quality and shorter treatment periods. The DO guides the differentiation of MSCs by providing mechanical clues. However, the underlying key genes and pathways are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to screen and identify hub genes involved in distraction-induced osteogenesis of MSCs and potential molecular mechanisms. Material and Methods: The datasets were downloaded from the ArrayExpress database. Three samples of negative control and two samples subjected to 5% cyclic sinusoidal distraction at 0.25 Hz for 6 h were selected for screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and then analysed via bioinformatics methods. The Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were investigated. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was visualised through the Cytoscape software. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to verify the enrichment of a self-defined osteogenic gene sets collection and identify osteogenic hub genes. Results: Three hub genes (IL6, MMP2, and EP300) that were highly associated with distraction-induced osteogenesis of MSCs were identified via the Venn diagram. These hub genes could provide a new understanding of distraction-induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and serve as potential gene targets for optimising DO via targeted therapies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Weishuang Xue ◽  
Jinwei Li ◽  
Kailei Fu ◽  
Weiyu Teng

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the quality of life of elderly individuals, while the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. Based on the bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood samples, we investigated genes related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, and late-stage AD that might be used for predicting the conversions. Methods. We obtained the DEGs in MCI, AD, and advanced AD patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A Venn diagram was used to identify the intersecting genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) were used to analyze the functions and pathways of the intersecting genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to visualize the network of the proteins coded by the related genes. Hub genes were selected based on the PPI network. Results. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that there were 61 DEGs in both the MCI and AD groups and 27 the same DEGs among the three groups. Using GO and KEGG analyses, we found that these genes were related to the function of mitochondria and ribosome. Hub genes were determined by bioinformatics software based on the PPI network. Conclusions. Mitochondrial and ribosomal dysfunction in peripheral blood may be early signs in AD patients and related to the disease progression. The identified hub genes may provide the possibility for predicting AD progression or be the possible targets for treatments.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-532
Author(s):  
Xin Yan ◽  
Chunfeng Liang ◽  
Xinghuan Liang ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Zhenxing Huang ◽  
...  

<sec> <title>Objective:</title> This study aimed to identify the potential key genes associated with the progression and prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). </sec> <sec> <title>Methods:</title> Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ACC cells and normal adrenocortical cells were assessed by microarray from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The biological functions of the classified DEGs were examined by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was mapped using Cytoscape software. MCODE software was also used for the module analysis and then 4 algorithms of cytohubba software were used to screen hub genes. The overall survival (OS) examination of the hub genes was then performed by the ualcan online tool. </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> Two GSEs (GSE12368, GSE33371) were downloaded from GEO including 18 and 43 cases, respectively. One hundred and sixty-nine DEGs were identified, including 57 upregulated genes and 112 downregulated genes. The Gene Ontology (GO) analyses showed that the upregulated genes were significantly enriched in the mitotic cytokines is, nucleus and ATP binding, while the downregulated genes were involved in the positive regulation of cardiac muscle contraction, extracellular space, and heparin-binding (P < 0.05). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) pathway examination showed significant pathways including the cell cycle and the complement and coagulation cascades. The protein– protein interaction (PPI) network consisted of 162 nodes and 847 edges, including mitotic nuclear division, cytoplasmic, protein kinase binding, and cell cycle. All 4 identified hub genes (FOXM1, UBE2C, KIF11, and NDC80) were associated with the prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) by survival analysis. </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> The present study offered insights into the molecular mechanism of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) that may be beneficial in further analyses. </sec>


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Guangyu Gao ◽  
Zhen Yao ◽  
Jiaofeng Shen ◽  
Yulong Liu

Dabrafenib resistance is a significant problem in melanoma, and its underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to research the molecular mechanism of drug resistance of dabrafenib and to explore the key genes and pathways that mediate drug resistance in melanoma. GSE117666 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and 492 melanoma statistics were also downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Besides, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified by taking advantage of the R software and GEO2R. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and FunRich was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to identify potential pathways and functional annotations linked with melanoma chemoresistance. 9 DEMs and 872 mRNAs were selected after filtering. Then, target genes were uploaded to Metascape to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Also, 6 hub mRNAs were screened after performing the PPI network. Furthermore, a total of 4 out of 9 miRNAs had an obvious association with the survival rate ( P < 0.05 ) and showed a good power of risk prediction model of over survival. The present research may provide a deeper understanding of regulatory genes of dabrafenib resistance in melanoma.


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