Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
10:31
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
581
Decoding the interplay between COVID-19 and diabetic nephropathy through bioinformatics and systems biology
Xianxiang Chen1, Qingle Zeng2, Min Xia3
1The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports
|December 3, 2025
Summary
This study identified shared molecular pathways and hub genes between COVID-19 and diabetic nephropathy (DN), revealing potential therapeutic targets. Findings support precision medicine for managing these comorbid conditions.
Area of Science:
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes. Patients with DN were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understanding the molecular links between COVID-19 and DN is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular interplay between COVID-19 and DN.
- To identify shared mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for synergistic clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of transcriptomic datasets for COVID-19 (GSE171110) and DN (GSE30528) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) and transcription factor (TF)-microRNA (miRNA) regulatory networks.
- Exploration of drug-gene associations and validation of hub genes using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Main Results:
- Identified 83 overlapping DEGs between COVID-19 and DN, highlighting shared pathways like hematopoietic cell lineage and complement/coagulation cascades.
- Discovered five key hub genes (IL7R, CD2, GZMA, CD3D, FCER1A) involved in immune regulation and tissue injury.
- Identified potential drug repurposing candidates (e.g., alpha-d-mannose, aspirin) and validated hub genes with high diagnostic potential (AUC >0.80).
Conclusions:
- Shared molecular pathways and hub genes provide insights into immune dysregulation and tissue injury in comorbid COVID-19 and DN.
- Interleukin-7 receptor-targeting strategies and identified biomarkers show promise for improving clinical outcomes.
- Integrative bioinformatics is valuable for precision medicine in complex disease interactions.
Keywords:
COVID-19Diabetic nephropathyDifferentially expressed genesPathogenic mechanismsRegulatory networkMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
3.1K
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
3.1K
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
4.3K
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
4.3K
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
323
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
323
01:15Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
2.0K
For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.0K
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
470
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
470
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
545
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
545