Evaluation of common genes and molecular pathways between atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease: A systems biology approach

Background

To date, the shared genes and molecular pathways between atherosclerosis and IBD have not been investigated based on a systems biology approach. Identifying common genes and molecular pathways can help in designing treatment strategies in patients. Therefore, in this study, we focused on examining this subject.

Material and methods

GenCLip3 and DisGeNET databases were used to identify the genes related to IBD and atherosclerosis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of the common genes was designed by STRING database and visualized using Cytoscape. Hub genes were determined using the Cytohubba plugin of Cytoscape. The miRTarBase and ChEA databases linked to Enrichr tool were used to identify the transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) that target the hub genes.

Result

Using GenCLip3 and DisGeNET databases, 338 genes were found to be shared between the IBD and atherosclerosis. PPI network and hub gene analyses identified 8 hub genes including STAT3, RELA, MAPK3, MAPK1, PIK3CA, AKT1, TP53 and TNF-α. According to the results, hsa-miR-146a-5p and RELA has the most interactions with hub genes among miRNAs and transcription factor (TF). Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that hub genes were mainly involved in inflammatory pathways and immune cells. Furthermore, in terms of the KEGG pathway (Fig.4) they were mainly involved in Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Lipid and atherosclerosis, Pathways in cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and TNF signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The evaluation of common gene hubs between IBD and atherosclerosis can be helpful in identifying pathogenesis factors as well as designing treatment strategies.