Identification of key genes in benign prostatic hyperplasia using bioinformatics analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying BPH is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.
• To investigate the roles of specific genes, such as Anterior Gradient 2 (ARG2) and Lumican (LUM), in BPH pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression microarray data (GSE6099) from the GEO database were analyzed.
• Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R, with functional enrichment analysis performed via DAVID.
• Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to validate ARG2 and LUM expression in BPH and normal prostate (NP) tissues.

Main Results:

• A total of 24 epithelial and 39 stromal DEGs were identified between BPH and NP.
• Epithelial DEGs were enriched in glucose metabolism and Rho protein signaling pathways, while stromal DEGs were associated with immune response and cartilage development.
• Immunohistochemistry confirmed lower ARG2 protein levels and higher LUM protein levels in BPH tissues compared to NP.

Conclusions:

• The study identified distinct DEGs in epithelial and stromal cells of BPH.
• ARG2 and LUM are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BPH, providing novel insights into its pathogenesis.