Unveiling the transcriptomic landscape of coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis via systems biology-based analysis

BackgroundIncreasing evidence shows that, compared with the general population, the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 is significantly higher in patients with psoriasis treated with immunosuppressive therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been clarified.Materials and methodsThe aim of this study was to further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these two diseases. Gene expression profiles for coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database (GSE150316 and GSE30999). After identifying the common differentially expressed genes between coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis, functional annotation, protein-protein interaction network analysis, module construction, and hub gene identification were performed. Finally, transcription factor-gene regulatory and transcription factor-miRNA regulatory networks of the hub genes were constructed.ResultsA total of 306 common differentially expressed genes, including 168 upregulated genes and 138 downregulated genes, were identified and used for subsequent analysis. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, the Rap1 signaling pathway, axon guidance, and focal adhesion contribute to the occurrence and development of coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis. Finally, five hub genes, namely EGF, IL1B, SERPINA1, CD8A, and WNT5A, were identified using the CytoHubba plug-in. Among them, three hub genes (EGF, SERPINA1, and CD8A) showed good diagnostic marker value for coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis.ConclusionOur findings suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis share common molecular mechanisms that are driven by several specific hub genes. This study provides new insights into the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 and psoriasis.