scholarly journals Gene Prioritization through Consensus Strategy, Enrichment Methodologies Analysis, and Networking for Osteosarcoma Pathogenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Cabrera-Andrade ◽  
Andrés López-Cortés ◽  
Gabriela Jaramillo-Koupermann ◽  
César Paz-y-Miño ◽  
Yunierkis Pérez-Castillo ◽  
...  

Osteosarcoma is the most common subtype of primary bone cancer, affecting mostly adolescents. In recent years, several studies have focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this sarcoma; however, its molecular etiology has still not been determined with precision. Therefore, we applied a consensus strategy with the use of several bioinformatics tools to prioritize genes involved in its pathogenesis. Subsequently, we assessed the physical interactions of the previously selected genes and applied a communality analysis to this protein–protein interaction network. The consensus strategy prioritized a total list of 553 genes. Our enrichment analysis validates several studies that describe the signaling pathways PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK as pathogenic. The gene ontology described TP53 as a principal signal transducer that chiefly mediates processes associated with cell cycle and DNA damage response It is interesting to note that the communality analysis clusters several members involved in metastasis events, such as MMP2 and MMP9, and genes associated with DNA repair complexes, like ATM, ATR, CHEK1, and RAD51. In this study, we have identified well-known pathogenic genes for osteosarcoma and prioritized genes that need to be further explored.

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sha Di ◽  
Lin Han ◽  
Qing Wang ◽  
Xinkui Liu ◽  
Yingying Yang ◽  
...  

Shen-Qi-Di-Huang decoction (SQDHD), a well-known herbal formula from China, has been widely used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the pharmacological mechanisms of SQDHD have not been entirely elucidated. At first, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify the active constituents of SQDHD, determined their corresponding targets, and obtained known DN targets from several databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then built to explore the complex relations between SQDHD targets and those known to treat DN. Following the topological feature screening of each node in the network, 400 major targets of SQDHD were obtained. The pathway enrichment analysis results acquired from DAVID showed that the significant bioprocesses and pathways include oxidative stress, response to glucose, regulation of blood pressure, regulation of cell proliferation, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, and the apoptotic signaling pathway. More interestingly, five key targets of SQDHD, named AKT1, AR, CTNNB1, EGFR, and ESR1, were significant in the regulation of the above bioprocesses and pathways. This study partially verified and predicted the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of SQDHD on DN from a holistic perspective. This has laid the foundation for further experimental research and has expanded the rational application of SQDHD in clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 030006052097143
Author(s):  
Mengyi Zhang ◽  
Binhan Guo

Objective To explore the mechanism underlying the progression of newly diagnosed idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to its chronic or remission state using bioinformatic methods. Methods GSE56232 and GSE46922 gene expression profile datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes were identified and characteristic genes were screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. These genes were used for function enrichment analysis and construction of a protein–protein interaction network. Finally, characteristic genes were verified to determine potential molecular mechanisms underlying ITP progression. Results We found that characteristic genes in the chronic ITP group were mainly involved in intracellular processes and ion binding, while characteristic genes in the remission ITP group were involved in intracellular processes and nuclear physiological activities. We identified a sub-network of characteristic genes, LMNA, JUN, PRKACG, SMC3, which may indicate the mechanism by which newly diagnosed ITP progresses to chronic. Although no meaningful signaling pathways were found, the expression of NR3C1, TPR, SMC4, PANBP2, CHD1, and U2SURP may affect ITP progression from newly diagnosed to remission. Conclusion Our findings improve the understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of ITP, and may provide new directions for the development of treatment strategies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhu Lili ◽  
Zhu YuKun ◽  
Zhuangzhuang Tian ◽  
Yongsheng Li ◽  
Liyu Cao

Abstract Background Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is the most common HL in the modern society. Although the treatment of cHL has made great progress, its molecular mechanisms have yet to be deciphered. Objectives The purpose of this study is to find out the crucial potential genes and pathways associated with cHL. Methods We downloaded the cHL microarray dataset (GSE12453) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cHL samples and normal samples through the limma package in R. Then, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were carried out. Finally, we constructed the protein-protein interaction network to screen out the hub genes using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. Results We screened out 788 DEGs in the cHL dataset, such as BATF3, IER3, RAB13 and FCRL2. GO functional enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were related with regulation of lymphocyte activation, secretory granule lumen and chemokine activity. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the genes enriched in Prion disease, Complement and coagulation cascades and Parkinson disease Coronavirus disease-COVID-19 pathway. Protein-protein interaction network construction identified 10 hub genes (IL6, ITGAM, CD86, FN1, MMP9, CXCL10, CCL5, CD19, IFNG, SELL, UBB) in the network. Conclusions In the present investigation, we identified several pathways and hub genes related to the occurrence and development of cHL, which may provide an important basis for further research and novel therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators for cHL.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 927-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Peng ◽  
Yuewu Liu ◽  
Xinbo Chen

Background: Drought is one of the most damaging and widespread abiotic stresses that can severely limit the rice production. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as a promising tool for improving the drought tolerance of rice and have become a hot spot in recent years. Objective: In order to further extend the understanding of miRNAs, the functions of miRNAs in rice under drought stress are analyzed by bioinformatics. Method: In this study, we integrated miRNAs and genes transcriptome data of rice under the drought stress. Some bioinformatics methods were used to reveal the functions of miRNAs in rice under drought stress. These methods included target genes identification, differentially expressed miRNAs screening, enrichment analysis of DEGs, network constructions for miRNA-target and target-target proteins interaction. Results: (1) A total of 229 miRNAs with differential expression in rice under the drought stress, corresponding to 73 rice miRNAs families, were identified. (2) 1035 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which included 357 up-regulated genes, 542 down-regulated genes and 136 up/down-regulated genes. (3) The network of regulatory relationships between 73 rice miRNAs families and 1035 DEGs was constructed. (4) 25 UP_KEYWORDS terms of DEGs, 125 GO terms and 7 pathways were obtained. (5) The protein-protein interaction network of 1035 DEGs was constructed. Conclusion: (1) MiRNA-regulated targets in rice might mainly involve in a series of basic biological processes and pathways under drought conditions. (2) MiRNAs in rice might play critical roles in Lignin degradation and ABA biosynthesis. (3) MiRNAs in rice might play an important role in drought signal perceiving and transduction.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suthanthiram Backiyarani ◽  
Rajendran Sasikala ◽  
Simeon Sharmiladevi ◽  
Subbaraya Uma

AbstractBanana, one of the most important staple fruit among global consumers is highly sterile owing to natural parthenocarpy. Identification of genetic factors responsible for parthenocarpy would facilitate the conventional breeders to improve the seeded accessions. We have constructed Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network through mining differentially expressed genes and the genes used for transgenic studies with respect to parthenocarpy. Based on the topological and pathway enrichment analysis of proteins in PPI network, 12 candidate genes were shortlisted. By further validating these candidate genes in seeded and seedless accession of Musa spp. we put forward MaAGL8, MaMADS16, MaGH3.8, MaMADS29, MaRGA1, MaEXPA1, MaGID1C, MaHK2 and MaBAM1 as possible target genes in the study of natural parthenocarpy. In contrary, expression profile of MaACLB-2 and MaZEP is anticipated to highlight the difference in artificially induced and natural parthenocarpy. By exploring the PPI of validated genes from the network, we postulated a putative pathway that bring insights into the significance of cytokinin mediated CLAVATA(CLV)–WUSHEL(WUS) signaling pathway in addition to gibberellin mediated auxin signaling in parthenocarpy. Our analysis is the first attempt to identify candidate genes and to hypothesize a putative mechanism that bridges the gaps in understanding natural parthenocarpy through PPI network.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiting Wang ◽  
Tao Lu

Abstract Due to the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic, to identify a proper treatment for COVID-19 is of great significance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown its great potential in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. One of TCM decoction, Lianhua Qingwen decoction displayed promising treating efficacy. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been explored for further development and treatment. Through systems pharmacology and network pharmacology approaches, we explored the potential mechanisms of Lianhua Qingwen treating COVID-19 and acting ingredients of Lianhua Qingwen decoction for COVID-19 treatment. Through this way, we generated an ingredients-targets database. We also used molecular docking to screen possible active ingredients. Also, we applied the protein-protein interaction network and detection algorithm to identify relevant protein groupings of Lianhua Qingwen. Totally, 605 ingredients and 1,089 targets were obtained. Molecular Docking analyses revealed that 35 components may be the promising acting ingredients, 7 of which were underlined according to the comprehensive analysis. Our enrichment analysis of the 7 highlighted ingredients showed relevant significant pathways that could be highly related to their potential mechanisms, e.g. oxidative stress response, inflammation, and blood circulation. In summary, this study suggests the promising mechanism of the Lianhua Qingwen decoction for COVID-19 treatment. Further experimental and clinical verifications are still needed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiyuan Zhang ◽  
Rongguo Yu ◽  
Jiayu Zhang ◽  
Eryou Feng ◽  
Haiyang Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic disease worldwide. Subchondral bone is an important pathological change in OA and responds more rapidly to adverse loading and events compared to cartilage. However, the pathogenic genes and pathways of subchondral bone are largely unclear.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify signature differences in genes involved in knee lateral tibial (LT) and medial tibial (MT) plateaus of subchondral bone tissue while exploring their potential molecular mechanisms via bioinformatics analysis.MethodsFirst, the gene expression data of GSE51588 was downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between knee LT and MT were identified, and functional enrichment analyses were performed. Then, a protein-protein interactive network was constructed in order to acquire the hub genes, and modules analysis was conducted using STRING and Cytoscape for further analysis. The enriched hub genes were queried in DGIdb database to find suitable drug candidates in OA.ResultsA total of 202 DEGs (112 upregulated genes and 84 downregulated genes) were determined. In the PPI network, ten hub genes were identified. Five significant modules were identified using the MCODE plugin unit. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the most important signaling pathways. Six of the ten hub genes were targetable by a total of 35 drugs, suggesting their possible therapeutic use for OA .ConclusionsThe identified hub genes and functional enrichment pathways were implicated in the development and progression of subchondral bone in OA, thus improving our understanding of OA and offering molecular targets for future therapeutic modalities.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Khokhar ◽  
Sojit Tomo ◽  
Purvi Purohit

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is characterized by the elevation of a wide spectrum of inflammatory mediators which are associated with poor disease outcomes. We aimed at an in-silico analysis of regulatory microRNA and their transcription factors (TF) for these inflammatory genes that may help to devise potential therapeutic strategies in the future. Methods: The cytokine regulating immune-expressed genes (CRIEG) were sorted from literature and GEO microarray dataset and their co-differentially expressed miRNA and transcription factors were predicted from publicly available databases. Enrichment analysis was done through mienturnet, MiEAA, and Gene Ontology, and pathways predicted by KEGG and Reactome pathways. The functional and regulatory features were analyzed and visualized through Cytoscape. Results: Sixteen CRIEG were observed to have a significant protein-protein interaction network. The ontological analysis revealed significantly enriched pathways for biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. The search performed in the miRNA database yielded 10 miRNAs that are significantly involved in the regulation of these genes and their transcription factors. Conclusion: An In-Silico representation of a network involving miRNAs, CRIEGs, and TF which take part in the inflammatory response in COVID-19 has been elucidated. These regulatory factors may have potentially critical roles in the inflammatory response in COVID-19 and may be explored further for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and mechanistic validation.


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