Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Identifies Key Molecular Targets Linking Bisphenol A Exposure to Gestational...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Genomics
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is a known risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
• The precise molecular pathways linking BPA exposure to GDM pathogenesis are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key genes involved in BPA-induced GDM using integrated bioinformatics.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers for BPA-related GDM.

Main Methods:

• Integrated analysis of BPA targets and GDM-associated genes from public databases and datasets.
• Functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction network, and machine learning analyses to identify hub genes.
• Validation of core gene expression using RT-qPCR, GEO datasets, and single-cell RNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• Thirty-four overlapping genes were identified, enriched in insulin signaling, AMPK, and inflammatory pathways.
• Five core genes (HSPA8, NR3C1, ITGB1, NOTCH2, POU5F1) were selected with strong diagnostic potential.
• Hub genes correlated with immune cell infiltration; RT-qPCR validated differential expression of HSPA8, NR3C1, and NOTCH2 in GDM.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals potential molecular links between BPA exposure and GDM, emphasizing immune-metabolic dysregulation.
• The identified core genes may serve as novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets for precision environmental health in pregnancy.