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Bioinformatic Identification of Shared Gene Networks Between Weaning- Induced Intestinal Inflammation and
Oumaima Anachad1, Wafaa Taha1, Chaimaa Saadoune1
1Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 5366 Maarif, Casablanca 20100, Morocco.
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
|July 3, 2026
Summary
Weaning triggers intestinal inflammation with potential systemic effects. Piglet studies reveal shared molecular pathways linking gut inflammation to neuroinflammatory processes, offering new insights into early-life health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Weaning disrupts gut microbial homeostasis, immune responses, and epithelial barrier integrity, leading to intestinal inflammation.
- While animal studies exist, human data on weaning-induced inflammation gene expression is lacking.
- Piglet models offer insights due to physiological and genetic similarities with humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate molecular mechanisms of weaning-induced intestinal inflammation in piglets.
- Explore potential links between gut inflammation and neurological pathways.
- Identify shared molecular pathways relevant to neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Collected 117 differentially expressed genes related to gut inflammation from literature.
- Performed protein-protein interaction network analysis using NetworkAnalyst and Cytoscape.
- Selected hub genes and conducted functional enrichment analysis with KOBAS, ClusterProfiler, and StringApp.
Main Results:
- Identified key hub genes: SOD1, CAT, TNF, CXCR4, TLR2, and TGFB1.
- These genes are involved in oxidative stress, immune response, glial regulation, and neuroinflammation.
- Enrichment analysis linked pathways to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, TGF-β signaling, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, gliogenesis, and cytokine signaling.
Conclusions:
- Weaning-induced intestinal inflammation may have systemic effects.
- Shared molecular pathways connect gut inflammation to neuroinflammatory processes.
- Findings provide a foundation for studying early-life inflammation's broader biological implications.
