Identifying Key Genes in Primary and Secondary Angiogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Network-Based Approach to Uncover Alternative Angiogenic Pathways.
Fatemeh Ghafouri1 *, Hamid Latifi-Navid2 , Zahra-Soheila Soheili2 , Mehdi Sadeghi3
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a complex and chronic disease that significantly impacts various organ systems, with diabetic retinopathy (DR) being one of its most serious complications. DR is characterized by pathological alterations in the retinal vasculature, including the development of fragile, abnormal blood vessel branches, which may lead to severe retinal damage and vision loss. As a leading cause of blindness, DR is a critical public health concern and often precipitates other ocular complications. The progression of DR involves multiple interconnected biological processes, including inflammation and angiogenesis. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and protein pathways contributing to DR is still lacking. To address this gap, our study focused on constructing and analyzing a protein interaction and co-expression network with the goal of identifying pivotal genes and pathways implicated in the disease
Methods: In this study, we utilized a variety of databases, including the STRING and DISGENET databases, to collect comprehensive data on gene interactions and associations. We employed the Cytoscape program, which is essential for constructing both physical and co-expression networks. This methodology enhances our understanding of the intricate relationships between genes and their roles in biological processes. Furthermore, we focused on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway as a key angiogenic pathway in diabetic retinopathy (DR) by applying k-means clustering algorithms.
Results: Our research identified FN1, CXCL2, CCNL1, and TGF4 as significant candidate genes that may play a crucial role in angiogenesis related to diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Conclusion: These findings provide important insights into alternative angiogenic pathways, highlighting the complexity of the mechanisms involved in diabetic retinopathy. By understanding these pathways, we may be able to develop targeted therapeutic interventions that specifically address the underlying processes of angiogenesis in this condition, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
