Core Differentially Expressed Genes in Psoriasis Lesions: An Integrated Analysis of Four GEO Datasets

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, affecting approximately 2% of the global population.

This study explored the role of specific molecular biomarkers in the pathogenesis of psoriasis through integrative bioinformatics analysis, aiming to improve diagnostic precision and uncover therapeutic targets. Four independent transcriptomic datasets (GSE34248, GSE41662, GSE50790, and GSE6710) were analyzed using bioinformatics tools to identify consistently dysregulated genes in psoriatic lesions. Subsequently, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database and analyzed key gene modules and hub genes involved in disease pathways.

This integrative approach led to the identification of 32 genes consistently dysregulated across all four datasets. Pathway enrichment highlighted significant involvement in biological processes such as keratinization (p = 1.53 × 10^-6) and cornified envelope formation (p = 1.93 × 10^-5), which are central to the epidermal alterations observed in psoriasis. Several gene families implicated in skin homeostasis and inflammatory regulation were found to contribute to psoriasis pathogenesis.

These findings underscore the relevance of these core genes and pathways in the molecular landscape of psoriasis and offer potential targets for future functional validation and therapeutic intervention.