Aberrantly Expressed Genes and miRNAs in Slow Transit Constipation Based on RNA-Seq Analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Slow transit constipation (STC) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder.
• The molecular mechanisms underlying STC remain incompletely understood.
• Identifying key genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) is crucial for elucidating STC pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical genes and miRNAs associated with slow transit constipation (STC).
• To construct a regulatory network of these molecules.
• To gain a deeper molecular understanding of STC.

Main Methods:

• RNA and miRNA expression profiling were performed.
• Differential gene and miRNA expression analysis was conducted.
• Regulatory network, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses, and electronic validation were employed.

Main Results:

• Several miRNAs, including hsa-miR-2116-3p, hsa-miR-3622a-5p, hsa-miR-424-5p, and hsa-miR-1273-3p, were identified.
• Genes such as HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB5, C3, and ICAM were implicated, with some linked to Staphylococcus aureus infection.
• Hub proteins like ZBTB16, FBN1, CCNF, and CDK1 were identified in the PPI network.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights specific genes and miRNAs potentially involved in STC pathogenesis.
• These findings contribute to understanding STC at a molecular level.
• The identified molecules may serve as targets for future research and therapeutic interventions.