Bioinformatics Analysis of the Core Genes Related to Lupus Nephritis Through a Network and Pathway-Based Approach

In this study, we explored the genes genetically associated with lupus nephritis (LN), and their function by bioinformatics analysis. We collected genes potentially associated with LN from National Center for Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI-Gene) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The major bioinformatics analysis linked with genes was then revealed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), crosstalk analysis, functional analysis, and Pivot algorithm. Two hundred twenty-three LN-related genes were obtained by intersecting NCBI-Gene and OMIM databases. Two thousand five hundred sixty-eight LN-related proteins and 23 modules were excavated by String protein interaction network and WGCNA co-expression analysis, respectively. Pivot algorithm included no coding RNA, transcription factor and drug indicated the high-count correlation-associated modules related to cancer, kidney pathophysiological changes, and kidney injury, respectively. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis based on 23 modules revealed LN-related genes mainly involved in immune response. Moreover, 19 genes that came from intersection of LN, arthritis, pleurisy, and myocarditis have close relationship with immune diseases and immune processes. Our results from this research may have important implications for understanding the genes underlying LN. Also, the framework proposed in this work can be used to research pathological molecular network and genes related to LN.