Identification of Lumican and Fibromodulin as Hub Genes Associated with Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix in Diabetic Nephropathy

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains a major cause of end-stage renal disease. The development novel biomarkers and early diagnosis DN are great clinical importance. goal this study was to identify hub genes with diagnostic potential for by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Gene Expression Omnibus database searched microarray data including distinct types CKD. constructed, modules specific were identified WGCNA. ontology (GO) performed, the screened out within selected modules. In addition, cross-validation performed in an independent dataset samples biopsies other glomerular diseases. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Dataset GSE99339 selected, total 179 microdissected glomeruli analyzed, DN, normal control, 7 groups Twenty-three 10,947 grouped WGCNA, module specifically correlated (<i>r =</i> 0.54, <i>p 9e−15). GO showed that mainly enriched accumulation extracellular matrix (ECM). LUM, ELN, FBLN1, MMP2, FBLN5, FMOD as genes. Cross verification LUM higher group negatively estimated filtration rate (eGFR). biopsies, expression levels than IgA nephropathy, membranous controls. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> By using WGCNA approach, we related ECM DN. These 2 may represent candidate