Using bioinformatics tools to identify pathogenic agents of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by a parasite called Leishmania Tropica. CL leaves scarring on exposed body parts from bites by infected female phlebotomine sandflies. CL is an endemic disease in some cities of our country and represents a public health challenge. Leishmania Tropica lesions tend to heal more slowly (۶-۱۵ months) and are less responsive to treatment. The molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. We herein employed a bioinformatics analysis approach to study molecular signatures of CL. Data set GSE۱۲۷۸۳۱ was used to construct a co-expression network for Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). An attempt was made here to investigate potential biomarkers that could contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of infected skin lesions, as well as to recommend the best method of treatment. In a bioinformatics analysis of healthy skin biopsy and wounds infected with Leishmania, we identified Di↵erentially Expressed Genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO)-based analysis was performed on DEGs and WGCNA modules utilizing Cytoscape. A module with ۴۵۶ genes had the strongest correlation with cutaneous wound size among almost ۱۶,۶۰۰ genes expressing di↵erently around Leishmania wounds. According to the functional enrichment analysis of this module, three clusters of genes have significantly changed expression, including genes encoding tissue-damaging cytokines, genes encoding collagen and fibrin proteins, and genes encoding extracellular matrix. These conditions lead to cutaneous wounds or delayed healing processes. OAS۱, SERPINH۱, and FBLN۱ are the hub genes of these three groups. Using this information, we can develop new techniques for dealing with Cutaneous leishmaniasis’ adverse effects.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bioinformatics Analysis ، Differentially Expressed Genes ، Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis ، Gene Ontology Analysis ، Cutaneous Leishmaniasis