Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes and Key Pathways in Neuropathic Pain by Spinal Nerve Ligation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Xu ◽  
HuiFang Li ◽  
YunPeng Zhang ◽  
TianYu Liu ◽  
Yi Feng
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Spinal Nerve Ligation ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Abstract Background: Neuropathic pain can cause significant physical and economic burden to people, and there are no effective long-term treatment methods for this condition. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis of microarray data to identify related mechanisms to determine strategies for more effective treatments of neuropathic pain.Methods: GSE24982 and GSE63442 microarray datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze transcriptome differences of neuropathic pain in the dorsal root ganglions caused by spinal nerve ligation. We filtered the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two datasets and Webgestalt was applied to conduct GeneOntology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the shared DEGs. String Database and Cytoscape software were used to construct the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network to determine the hub genes, which were subsequently verified in the GSE30691 dataset. Finally, miRDB and miRWalk Databases were used to predict potential miRNA of the selected DEGs.Results: A total of 182 overlapped DEGs were found between GSE24982 and GSE63442 datasets. The GO functional analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the selected DEGs were mainly enriched in infection, transmembrane transport of ion channels, and synaptic transmission. Combining the results of PPI analysis and the verification of the GSE30691 dataset, we identified seven hub genes related to neuropathic pain (Atf3, Aif1, Ctss, Gfap, Scg2, Jun, and Vgf). Predicted miRNA targeting each selected hub genes were identified.Conclusion: Seven hub genes related to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and potential targeting miRNA were identified, expanding understanding of the mechanism of neuropathic pain and facilitating treatment development.

scholarly journals Based on bioinformatics analysis, NF1, BTRC and MAPK14 are the potential biomarkers in the progression of osteoarthritis synovitis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyi Yang ◽  
Yani Su ◽  
Yao Ma ◽  
Yirixiati Aihaiti ◽  
Peng Xu
Keyword(s):  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Hub Gene ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Abstract Objective: To study the potential biomarkers and related pathways in osteoarthritis (OA) synovial lesions, and to provide theoretical basis and research directions for the pathogenesis and treatment of OA. Methods: Download the microarray data sets GSE12021 and GSE82107 from Gene Expression Omnibus. GEO2R recognizes differentially expressed genes. Perform functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes and construct protein-protein interaction network. Cytoscape performs module analysis and enrichment analysis of top-level modules. Further identify the Hub gene and perform functional enrichment analysis. TargetScan, miRDB and miRWalk three databases predict the target miRNAs of Hub gene and identify key miRNAs. Results: Finally, 10 Hub genes and 17 key miRNAs related to the progression of OA synovitis were identified. NF1, BTRC and MAPK14 may play a vital role in OA synovial disease. Conclusion: The Hub genes and key miRNAs discovered in this study may be potential biomarkers in the development of OA synovitis, and provide research methods and target basis for the pathogenesis and treatment of OA.

scholarly journals Bioinformatics-Based Study to Investigate Potential Differentially Expressed Genes and miRNAs in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Guoquan ◽  
Du Junwei ◽  
He Qi ◽  
Fu Xinghao ◽  
Ji Feihong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis ◽  
Hub Genes

Abstract BackgroundHashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common autoimmune disease, which mainly occurs in women. The early manifestation was hyperthyroidism, however, hypothyroidism may occur if HT was not controlled for a long time. Numerous studies have shown that multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors, were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, but the exact mechanisms were not yet clear. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by comprehensive analysis and to provide specific insights into HT. MethodsTwo gene expression profiles (GSE6339, GSE138198) about HT were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The DEGs were assessed between the HT and normal groups using the GEO2R. The DEGs were then sent to the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The hub genes were discovered using Cytoscape and CytoHubba. Finally, NetworkAnalyst was utilized to create the hub genes' targeted microRNAs (miRNAs). ResultsA total of 62 DEGs were discovered, including 60 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated DEGs. The signaling pathways were mainly engaged in cytokine interaction and cytotoxicity, and the DEGs were mostly enriched in immunological and inflammatory responses. IL2RA, CXCL9, IL10RA, CCL3, CCL4, CCL2, STAT1, CD4, CSF1R, and ITGAX were chosen as hub genes based on the results of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and CytoHubba. Five miRNAs, including mir-24-3p, mir-223-3p, mir-155-5p, mir-34a-5p, mir-26b-5p, and mir-6499-3p, were suggested as likely important miRNAs in HT. ConclusionsThese hub genes, pathways and miRNAs contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of HT and offer potential treatment options for HT.

scholarly journals Screening the Hub Genes and Analyzing the Mechanisms in Discharged COVID-19 Patients Retesting Positive through Bioinformatics Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke-Ying Fang ◽  
Gui-Ning Liang ◽  
Zhuo-Qing Zhuang ◽  
Yong-Xin Fang ◽  
Yu-Qian Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Virus Reactivation ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Messenger Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Ppi Networks ◽  
Significant Enrichment

Abstract Background: With the worldwide spread of COVID-19, people’s health and social order have been exposed to enormous risks. After encountering patients who test positive again after discharge, our study analyzed the pathogenesis to further assess the risk and possibility of virus reactivation.Methods: A separate microarray was acquired from the Integrated Gene Expression System (GEO), and its samples were divided into two groups: a “convalescent-RTP” group consisting of recovery and “retesting-positive” (RTP) patients (group CR) and a “health-RTP” group consisting of healthy control and RTP patients (group HR). The enrichment analysis was performed with R software, obtaining the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto pluripotent stem cells (KEGG) of the genes and genomes. Subsequently, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of each group were established and the hub genes were discovered using the cytoHubba plug-in.Results: In this study, 20 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 6622 genes were identified in the group CR, consisting of 5003 up-regulated and 1619 down-regulated genes. Meanwhile, 7335 genes were screened in the group HR, including 4323 up-regulated and 3012 down-regulated ones. The GO and KEGG analysis of the two groups revealed significant enrichment of these differentially expressed genes in pathways associated with immune response and apoptosis. In the PPI network constructed, 10 hub genes in group CR were identified, including TP53BP1, SNRPD1, SNRPD2, SF3B1, SNRNP200, MRPS16, MRPS9, CALM1, PPP2R1A, YWHAZ. Similarly, TP53BP1, RPS15, EFTUD2, MRPL16, MRPL17, MRPS14, RPL35A, MRPL32, MRPS6, POLR2G were selected as hub genes.Conclusions: Using the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression data from GSE166253, we explore the pathogenesis of retesting positive in COVID-19 from the immune mechanism and molecular level. We found TP53BP1, SNRPD1 and SNRPD2 as hub genes in RTP patients. Hence, their regulatory pathway is vital to the management and prognostic prediction of RTP patients, rendering the further study of these hub genes necessary.

scholarly journals Identification of key genes, pathways and potential therapeutic agents for IgA nephropathy using an integrated bioinformatics analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 147032032091963
Author(s):  
Xiaoxue Chen ◽  
Mindan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Limma Package

Purpose: This study aims to identify immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy-related genes based on microarray data and to investigate novel potential gene targets for immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy treatment. Methods: Immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy chip data was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which included 10 immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy and 22 normal samples. We used the limma package of R software to screen differentially expressed genes in immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy and normal glomerular compartment tissues. Functional enrichment (including cellular components, molecular functions, biological processes) and signal pathways were performed for the differentially expressed genes. The online analysis database (STRING) was used to construct the protein-protein interaction networks of differentially expressed genes, and Cytoscape software was used to identify the hub genes of the signal pathway. In addition, we used the Connectivity Map database to predict possible drugs for the treatment of immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy. Results: A total of 348 differentially expressed genes were screened including 107 up-regulated and 241 down-regulated genes. Functional analysis showed that up-regulated differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated on leukocyte migration, and the down-regulated differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in alpha-amino acid metabolic process. A total of six hub genes were obtained: JUN, C3AR1, FN1, AGT, FOS, and SUCNR1. The small-molecule drugs thapsigargin, ciclopirox and ikarugamycin were predicted therapeutic targets against immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy. Conclusion: Differentially expressed genes and hub genes can contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy and providing potential therapeutic targets and drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of immunoglobulin-A-nephropathy.

scholarly journals Bioinformatic Analysis: Screening and Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Modified by m6A in Ovarian Cancer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huidong Liu ◽  
Wen-wen Zhang ◽  
Ge Lou
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Kegg Pathways

Abstract Background: N6-methyladenosine(m6A) is one of the most common RNA modifications that occurs at the nitrogen-6 position of adenine. Emerging evidence has revealed that regulatory functions of m6A play an essential role in the development of cancer. However the study of m6A in ovarian cancer(OC) is still in our infancy. In this work ,we aimed to identify and analysis the differentially expressed genes(DEGs） modified by m6A which can provide new therapeutic targets and key biomarkers in OC.Methods: We downloaded Microarray datasets GSE146553 and GSE124766 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by GEO2R analysis tools. Subsequently, The DAVID database was used to construct Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways. Next, the DEGs modified by m6A were identified by m6AVar database. Finally, the functional analysis and clinical sample validation of these genes were verified by ONCOMINE, GEPIA, cBioPortal online platform and Kaplan-Meier Plotter.Results:152 DEGs were selected ,and the DEGs were mainly enriched in extracellular exosome, spindle microtubule, response to hypoxia and cell cycle .And we identified 15 DEGs which were modified by m6A:MAPK10、MXRA5、CHD7、MECOM、SCN7A、GREB、PRUNE2、MX2、TOP2A、JAM2、DST、LAPTM5、CDKN2A、GATM and ANGPTL1. After statistical analysis, two DEGs (SCN7A and GAMT) were selected for detailed study. We revealed that SCN7A and GAMT were expressed at a low level in OC. Afterwards, Survival analysis showed that SCN7A and GAMT expression were correlated with OC overall survival. And the expression of SCN7A and GAMT mRNA decreasing in different TNM stages. Finally, we presumed that the modification of m6A spongs GAMT via EIF4A3 or FUS to participate in the occcurrence and the development of OC.Conclusion: Altogether, the current study identified and analysised the DEGs modified by m6A in OC. It will help us to investigate the underlying mechanism and progression of OC. In addition, it can provide new diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in OC.

Identification of aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes in melanoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Han ◽  
Guo-liang Shen
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Positive Regulation ◽  
Upregulated Genes

Abstract Background: Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) is known as an aggressive malignant cancer, which could be directly derived from melanocytic nevi. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant transformation of melanocytes and melanoma tumor progression still remain unclear. Increasing researches showed significant roles of epigenetic modifications, especially DNA methylation, in melanoma. This study focused on identification and analysis of methylation-regulated differentially expressed genes (MeDEGs) between melanocytic nevus and malignant melanoma in genome-wide profiles. Methods: The gene expression profiling datasets (GSE3189 and GSE114445) and gene methylation profiling datasets (GSE86355 and GSE120878) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified via GEO2R. MeDEGs were obtained by integrating the DEGs and DMGs. Then, functional enrichment analysis of MeDEGs were performed. STRING and Cytoscape were used to describe protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. Furthermore, survival analysis was implemented to select the prognostic hub genes. Finally, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of hub genes. Results: We identified 237 hypomethylated, upregulated genes and 182 hypermethylated, downregulated genes. Hypomethylation-upregulated genes were enriched in biological processes of the oxidation-reduction process, cell proliferation, cell division, phosphorylation, extracellular matrix disassembly and protein sumoylation. Pathway enrichment showed selenocompound metabolism, small cell lung cancer and lysosome. Hypermethylation-downregulated genes were enriched in biological processes of positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, cell adhesion, cell proliferation, positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated and angiogenesis. The most significantly enriched pathways involved the transcriptional misregulation in cancer, circadian rhythm, tight junction, protein digestion and absorption and Hippo signaling pathway. After PPI establishment and survival analysis, seven prognostic hub genes were CKS2, DTL, KIF2C, KPNA2, MYBL2, TPX2 and FBL. Moreover, the most involved hallmarks obtained by GSEA were E2F targets, G2M checkpoint and mitotic spindle. Conclusions: Our study identified potential aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes participating in the process of malignant transformation from nevus to melanoma tissues based on comprehensive genomic profiles. Transcription profiles of CKS2, DTL, KIF2C, KPNA2, MYBL2, TPX2 and FBL provided clues of aberrantly methylation-based biomarkers, which might improve the development of precise medicine.

scholarly journals Identification and Interaction Analysis of Significant Genes and MicroRNAs in Pterygium

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siying He ◽  
Hui Sun ◽  
Yifang Huang ◽  
Shiqi Dong ◽  
Chen Qiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Interaction Analysis ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Functional Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Differentially Expressed Mirnas

Purpose. MiRNAs have been widely analyzed in the occurrence and development of many diseases, including pterygium. This study aimed to identify the key genes and miRNAs in pterygium and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods. MiRNA expression was initially extracted and pooled by published literature. Microarray data about differentially expressed genes was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed with the R programming language. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The protein-protein interaction network was constructed with the STRING database. The associations between chemicals, differentially expressed miRNAs, and differentially expressed genes were predicted using the online resource. All the networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Results. We found that 35 miRNAs and 301 genes were significantly differentially expressed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that upregulated genes were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, while downregulated genes were mainly involved in cell death and apoptotic process. Finally, we concluded the chemical-gene affected network, miRNA-mRNA interacted networks, and significant pathway network. Conclusion. We identified lists of differentially expressed miRNAs and genes and their possible interaction in pterygium. The networks indicated that ECM breakdown and EMT might be two major pathophysiological mechanisms and showed the potential significance of PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. MiR-29b-3p and collagen family (COL4A1 and COL3A1) might be new treatment target in pterygium.

scholarly journals Deciphering Expression Profiling and Functional Signatures of Individualized Obesity-Associated Genes in Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum Through RNA-Sequence Data Mining

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baoliang Zhang ◽  
Lei Yuan ◽  
Guanghui Chen ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Xiaoxi Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Ligamentum Flavum ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Ossification Of Ligamentum Flavum

Abstract Background: Obese individuals predispose to ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF), whereas the underlying connections between obesity phenotype and OLF pathomechanism are not fully understood, especially during early life. This study aimed to explore obesity-associated genes and their functional signatures in OLF. Methods: Gene microarray expression data related to OLF were downloaded from the GSE106253 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The potential obesity-related differentially expressed genes (ORDEGs) in OLF were screened. Then, gene-ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were applied for these genes. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions (PPI) were used to identify hub ORDEGs, and Metascape was used to further verify the key signaling pathways and immune-related function signatures of hub ORDEGs. Finally, correlation analysis of hub ORDEGs and identified OLF-related infiltrating immune cells (OIICs) was constructed to understand the possible mechanical link among obesity, immune response and OLF. Results: OLF-related differentially expressed genes and 2051 obesity-related genes from four databases were intersected to obtain 99 ORDEGs, including 54 upregulated and 55 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that these genes were mainly involved in metabolism, inflammation and immune-related biological functions and pathways. A PPI network was established to determine 14 hub genes (AKT1, CCL2, CCL5, CXCL2, ICAM1, IL10, MYC, PTGS2, SAA1, SOCS1, SOCS3, STAT3, TNFRSF1B and VEGFA). The co-expression network demonstrated that this module was associated with cellular response to biotic stimulus, regulation of inflammatory response, regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT protein. Furthermore, Metascape functional annotations showed that hub genes were mainly involved in receptor signaling pathway via JAK-STAT, response to TNF and regulation of defense response, and their representative enriched pathways were TNF, adipocytokine and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Subgroup analysis indicated that T cell activation might be potential immune function processes involved, and correlation analysis revealed that cDCs, memory B-cells and preadipocytes were highly correlated infiltrating immune cells. Conclusions: Our study deciphered individualized obesity-associated gene signature for the first time, which may facilitate exploring the underlying cellular and molecular pathogenesis and novel therapeutic targets of obesity-related early-onset OLF.

scholarly journals Differentially expressed genes SNRPC and PRPF38A are potential biomarkers candidates for osteosarcoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Chang ◽  
Yang Cao
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Osteogenic Sarcoma ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Gene Expression Omnibus ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Ppi Network ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Abstract Background: Osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma, OS) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality and is associated with poor prognosis in the field of orthopedic. Globally, rates of OS are highest among 15 to 25-year-old adolescent. However, the mechanism of gene regulation and signaling pathway is unknown. Material and Methods: GSE9508, including 34 OS samples and 5 non-malignant bone samples, was gained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were picked out by GEO2R online R soft tool. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network between the DEGs was molded utilizing STRING online software. Afterward, PPI network of DEGs was constructed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were carried out on DAVID online tool and visualized via cytoscape software. Subsequently, module analysis of PPI was performed by using MCODE app. What’s more, prognosis-related genes were screened by using online databases including GEPIA, UALCAN and cBioPortal databases. Results: Totally, 671 DEGs were picked out, including 501 up-regulated genes and 170 down-regulated genes. Moreover, 22 hub genes were identified to be significantly expressed in PPI network (16 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated). We found that spliceosome signaling pathway may provide a potential target in OS. Furthermore, on the basis of common crucial pathway, PRPF38A and SNRPC were closely associated with spliceosome. Conclusion: This study showed that SNRPC and PRPF38A are potential biomarkers candidates for osteosarcoma.

scholarly journals Integrated Analysis of Hub Genes and MicroRNAs in Human Placental Tissues from In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuheng Yang ◽  
Wei Zheng ◽  
Chen Yang ◽  
Ruowen Zu ◽  
Shiyu Ran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Placental Function ◽  
Differentially Expressed Mirnas ◽  
Ivf Et

ObjectiveSupraphysiological hormone exposure, in vitro culture and embryo transfer throughout the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures may affect placental development. The present study aimed to identify differences in genomic expression profiles between IVF-ET and naturally conceived placentals and to use this as a basis for understanding the underlying effects of IVF-ET on placental function.MethodsFull-term human placental tissues were subjected to next-generation sequencing to determine differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and genes (DEGs) between uncomplicated IVF-ET assisted and naturally conceived pregnancies. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and transcription factor enrichment analysis were used for DEmiRs. MiRNA-mRNA interaction and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. In addition, hub genes were obtained by using the STRING database and Cytoscape. DEGs were analyzed using GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated through qRT-PCR.ResultsCompared against natural pregnancies, 12 DEmiRs and 258 DEGs were identified in IVF-ET placental tissues. In a validation cohort, it was confirmed that hsa-miR-204-5p, hsa-miR-1269a, and hsa-miR-941 were downregulation, while hsa-miR-4286, hsa-miR-31-5p and hsa-miR-125b-5p were upregulation in IVF-ET placentas. Functional analysis suggested that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in angiogenesis, pregnancy, PI3K-Akt and Ras signaling pathways. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network revealed the contribution of 10 miRNAs and 109 mRNAs while EGFR was the most highly connected gene among ten hub genes in the PPI network.ConclusionEven in uncomplicated IVF-ET pregnancies, differences exist in the placental transcriptome relative to natural pregnancies. Many of the differentially expressed genes in IVF-ET are involved in essential placental functions, and moreover, they provide a ready resource of molecular markers to assess the association between placental function and safety in IVF-ET offspring.

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