Transcriptome dissection reveals shared upregulated genes and enriched pathways involved in skin disease concurrence

The coexistence of skin diseases is common. Although molecular studies have made significant efforts to understand each disease entity, the shared molecular basis explaining their concurrence remains largely unknown. This study aims to identify common upregulated genes in skin diseases that may serve as potential biomarkers.

Gene expression datasets were retrieved from online databases and compared to healthy controls, focusing on genes common between concurrent diseases. The pathways these molecules are involved in were then analyzed, and their protein-protein interactions were illustrated.

The analysis revealed that SLC44A5 is strongly upregulated in psoriasis and vitiligo; ARNTL2 is upregulated in lichen planus and vitiligo; HIST1H2BG is upregulated in lichen planus and psoriasis; S100A7A is upregulated in psoriasis and alopecia areata; CXCL9 is strongly upregulated in vitiligo and alopecia areata, as well as in lichen planus and alopecia areata, and cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lichen planus; and SERPINB4 is upregulated in acne and rosacea.

This study enhances the understanding of skin disease concurrence and lays the groundwork for studying these diseases at a genomic level. It also helps identify common therapeutic targets that work for coexisting diseases.