Potential common mechanisms between primary Sjögren's syndrome and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a public databases-based...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genomics
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) frequently co-occur, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.
• Investigating shared molecular pathways is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of these autoimmune diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving the co-occurrence of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT).
• To identify key genes, pathways, and potential therapeutic targets common to both pSS and HT.

Main Methods:

• Differential gene expression analysis of transcriptomic data from pSS and HT patients.
• Pathway enrichment analysis (KEGG, PID, Reactome, BioCarta) and protein-protein interaction network construction.
• Identification and validation of hub and key genes using topological analyses and independent datasets.
• Immune cell infiltration profiling and correlation analysis with key genes.
• Drug prediction for identified key and cross-talk genes.

Main Results:

• Identified 93 cross-talk genes primarily related to immune system functions.
• STAT1 and PTPRC were validated as key genes, significantly associated with immune cell infiltration (e.g., CD8+ Tcm).
• Enriched pathways include IFNγ response, IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, and inflammatory response, highlighting shared inflammatory mechanisms.
• Guttiferone K and picoplatin were predicted as potential therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

• STAT1 and PTPRC serve as potential biomarkers for disease activity in both pSS and HT.
• The study provides novel insights into the shared cellular and molecular mechanisms of pSS and HT.
• Identified key genes and pathways pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies for co-occurring pSS and HT.