Horm Metab Res 2022; 54(05): 288-293
DOI: 10.1055/a-1804-6047
Original Article: Endocrine Care

Exploration of Core Genes in ACTH-Independent Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia

1   Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
,
Yunhui Wang
2   Department of Presbyatric, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
,
Qinke Li
1   Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
,
Ronggui Zhang
1   Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Abstract

This study explores the core genes involved in the pathogenesis of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH), so as to provide robust biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain GSE25031 microarray dataset. R package “limma” was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AIMAH and normal samples. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was employed to perform Gene Ontology (GO) annotation for the DEGs, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. A protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed using the STRING online website and visualized using the Cytoscape software. The key modules and hub genes were then identified. Finally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment analysis was carried out to find the signaling pathways of significant clinical value in AIMAH. A total of 295 DEGs between AIMAH and healthy samples were screened out, including 164 upregulated genes and 131 downregulated genes. Combining enrichment analysis and PPI network construction, there were 5 signifiant pathways and 10 hub genes, among which 3 genes (FOS, FOSB, and DUSP1) were identified as potential core genes of clinical significance in AIMAH. In conclusion, the 3 core genes, FOS, FOSB, and DUSP1, identified here might be potential biomarkers for AIMAH, and the current study is of guiding significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.



Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 15. Januar 2022

Angenommen nach Revision: 17. März 2022

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
09. Mai 2022

© 2022. The Author(s).

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