MGEnrichment: A web application for microglia gene list enrichment analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Genomics

Background:

• Gene expression analysis is crucial in neuro-immunology.
• Non-programming scientists require accessible tools for genomic data analysis.
• Microglia play a key role in neuro-immune processes and disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MGEnrichment, a web application for microglia-relevant gene list analysis.
• To enable non-programmers to perform statistical enrichment analysis on gene expression data.
• To provide a curated database of microglia-specific gene lists for research.

Main Methods:

• Development of a user-friendly web application (MGEnrichment).
• Inclusion of a curated database of microglia-relevant gene lists.
• Facilitation of user gene ID uploads for enrichment analysis against existing lists.
• Utilized example datasets of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Main Results:

• MGEnrichment allows assessment of gene expression data relevance against curated gene lists.
• Demonstrated application of MGEnrichment to DEG data from ASD and control brain samples.
• Expanded interpretation of ASD DEGs concerning microglial gene expression regulation.

Conclusions:

• MGEnrichment provides novel insights into ASD DEGs' role in microglial development and microbiome responses.
• The tool facilitates understanding of ASD's link to other neuropsychiatric disorders via microglial pathways.
• MGEnrichment is valuable for researchers in microglia, ASD, and neuro-immune activation.