Title:Analysis of miRNA-mRNA interaction network reveals gap junction beta 2 as a potential candidate gene involved in psoriatic hearing loss pathogenesis
VOLUME: 23
Author(s):Queping Liu, Lisha Wu, Chuanjian Lu and Dinghong Wu*
Affiliation:Xiang-Ya Hospital Central South University, 87 XiangYa Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan,, Xiang-Ya Hospital Central South University, 87 XiangYa Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan,, The Second Clinical Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006,, The Second Clinical Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006
Keywords:GJB2, auditory system, psoriasis, bioinformatics analysis, plasma
Abstract:Background: Recent studies have shown that patients with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that
may accompany serious systemic disease, are at risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The pathogenesis remains
unclear, and the mechanisms of this disorder are difficult to explore in the clinical setting due to psoriasis hearing
loss’s infrequent incidence. Here we are aimed to identify key candidate genes that may be involved in the pathogenesis of
psoriatic hearing loss.
Method: In the present study, through online database and literature review, we utilized microRNA-mRNA network analysis
and gene ontology annotation analysis, coupled with experimental data from clinical samples, to investigate the relationship
between psoriasis and hearing loss.
Results: We identified nine miRNAs implicated in both psoriasis and the auditory system. By using bioinformatics techniques,
12 target genes were identified. Finally, the gap junction beta-2 protein (GJB2) was found to be relevant to both psoriasis
and hearing loss. In addition, the expression of connexin 26 (Cx26), encoded by GJB2, was significantly downregulated
in psoriatic patients’ plasma (p < 0.0001) and was negatively correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI)
clinical score (r, −0.286; p = 0.036).
Conclusion: GJB2 is a potential candidate gene for hearing loss in psoriasis.
