Co‑expression network analysis identified specific miRNAs and genes in association with slow‑transit constipation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics and Genomics

Background:

• The underlying mechanisms of slow-transit constipation (STC) are not fully understood.
• The specific roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in STC pathogenesis require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of STC by analyzing miRNA co-expression networks.
• To identify key miRNAs, their target genes, and associated pathways in STC.

Main Methods:

• Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to miRNA expression profiles of STC patients.
• Functional enrichment analysis using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed.
• Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network construction and module analysis were conducted.

Main Results:

• Seven key miRNAs (hsa-miR-20b, hsa-miR-128, hsa-miR-129-3p, hsa-miR-30b, hsa-miR-340, hsa-miR-619, hsa-miR-486-3p) and 2,077 target genes were identified.
• Enriched GO terms included 'protein modification process' and 'nucleoplasm', while the top KEGG pathway was 'cAMP signalling pathway'.
• Hub genes in the PPI network included CALM1, CALM2, and HDAC3, among others.

Conclusions:

• Co-expressed miRNA networks reveal significant genes and pathways implicated in STC.
• This bioinformatics analysis provides novel insights into the molecular basis of STC.
• The identified miRNAs and pathways represent potential targets for future STC research and therapeutic strategies.