Identification of distinct gene co-expression modules and specific hub genes in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis by WGCNA.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are among the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Although AD and psoriasis are distinguished using clinical criteria, the lesions of these two diseases are sometimes highly similar, making diagnosis difficult. In addition, the mechanisms underlying these two diseases are not fully clear. Here, we aimed to identify potential genes and regulatory mechanisms in AD and psoriasis patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of AD and psoriasis. The GSE121212 dataset was obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus database and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied. The functions of genes in modules of interest were determined using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis with the ggplot2 package of r. The hub genes were obtained using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database and then visualized using cytoscape. The MEgreen and MEbrown modules were identified to associate with AD and psoriasis, respectively, and the biological functions and pathways of genes in clinically significant modules were detected and analyzed. Hub genes in these two modules and details on potential protein interactions were also revealed. The genes and modules identified by WGCNA might contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AD and psoriasis and aid in their diagnosis and treatment.