Transcriptomic Analysis of PDCoV-Infected HIEC-6 Cells and Enrichment Pathways PI3K-Akt and P38 MAPK

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) causes intestinal disease in piglets.
• Limited knowledge exists on PDCoV interactions with human cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate PDCoV interactions with human intestinal cells (HIEC-6).
• Analyze transcriptome changes at 12, 24, and 48 hours post-infection.
• Identify potential therapeutic targets for PDCoV infection.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome analysis of HIEC-6 cells infected with PDCoV.
• Differential gene expression analysis at multiple time points.
• KEGG pathway analysis and identification of key genes (e.g., BUB1, DDIT4, ATF3, GBP2, IRF1).

Main Results:

• Significant numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at all time points.
• Common DEGs were enriched in cytokine production and signaling pathways (p53, PI3K-Akt, TNF).
• PI3K-Akt and P38 MAPK pathways were significantly enriched at 24 hours, with EFNA1 and KITLG identified as key genes. Inhibition of these pathways enhanced PDCoV infection.

Conclusions:

• PDCoV infection induces significant transcriptional changes in human intestinal cells.
• The PI3K-Akt and P38 MAPK signaling pathways are crucial for PDCoV infection.
• EFNA1 and KITLG may serve as therapeutic targets for PDCoV infection.