Identification of key genes and pathways involved in vitiligo vulgaris by gene network analysis

Background and Aim: Vitiligo vulgaris is an acquired, chronic skin and hair condition characterized clinically by loss of melanin, which, if untreated, is typically progressive and irreversible. The aim of the present study was to identify potential genes involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Methods: One dataset of mRNA expression in patients with vitiligo (GSE65127) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R package. The interactive information among DEGs and the PPI network was obtained using the STRING online database. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of these DEGs were performed from EnrichR and hub genes and modules of the PPI network were visualized and analyzed by Gephi. Results: Compared with the normal control group, ten upregulated genes (P<0.05) were identified including TP53, HNRNPA2, SRSF1, PTEN, CDC42, EGFR, EIF4A1, MYB, HNRNPH1, SF381, and CDH2, LEP, KIT, GRIA2, SPP1, NRXN1, RUNX2, PDGFRB, NES, MYH11 as downregulated genes. Up-regulated DEGs were enriched in three pathways including prostate cancer, epithelial cell signaling in helicobacter pylori infection and melanoma pathways. Down-regulated DEGs were enriched in three pathways including melanogenesis, Renin secretion and pancreatic secretion pathways. Conclusion: Identifying DEGs in vitiligo may contribute to our understanding of its pathogenesis, and such DEGs may be used as drug targets for treatment.