Identification of novel biomarkers and key pathways of condyloma acuminata

Condyloma acuminata (CA) is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease, associated with human papilloma viruses (HPV) infections and host immune status. In this present study, we aimed to explore immune landscape and biomarkers for CA prevention and treatment. We obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CA vs normal tissues in GSE140662 and screened out hub genes from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Hub genes were then subjected to microRNA (miRNA) analysis. Besides, CCK-8, transwell, flow cytometry assays were employed to assess the cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in Hela cells. ImmuCellAI was firstly applied to identify immune cell infiltration levels of CA. We obtained 275 DEGs, 23 hub genes and key miRNAs. Subsequently, we verified four up-regulated hub genes IFIT1, IFI27, OASL, SAMD9L and down-regulated mir-146a-5p in CA tissues by RT-qPCR. Moreover, over-expression of miR-146a-5p reduced Hela cells proliferation, migration, blocked cell cycle and induced apoptosis. Up-regulated miR-146a-5p attenuated PI3K/AKT and activated p38/ MAPK signaling pathway. Proportions of Monocyte, NK cells, Gamma delta cells, Th17 cells were relatively low, while Th1 and CD8+ T cells were relatively high in CA skin. Our study revealed that mir-146a-5p contribute to CA progression through PI3K/AKT and p38/MAPK signaling pathway.