Identification of Key Genes Related to Immune Infiltration of Cirrhosis via Bioinformatics Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundAccumulating researches have indicated that cirrhosis is a vital risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nevertheless, the underlying immune-related molecular mechanism remains indistinct.MethodsGene expression profiles of GSE89377 and GSE139602 were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cirrhosis. Enrichment analysis for DEGs was explored. CIBERSORT algorithm was used for evaluating DEGs immune infiltration. The String and Cytoscape database were utilized for analyses hub DEGs with a high tight connection, and the association between hub DEGs and immune cells infiltration was analyzed by Spearman method. Finally, the underlying molecular mechanism of the key DEGs was predicted via KEGG pathway analysis.ResultsIn all, 299 DEGs were attained among them 136 and 163 were up and down-regulated respectively. Then Enrichment function of DEGs and CIBERSORT algorithm showed that they are significant in immune and inflammatory responses. Four hub DEGs (ACTB, TAGLN, VIM, SOX9) were identified. Subsequently, the immune infiltration findings indicated that, the hub DEGs highly related immune cells. Finally, KEGGs pathways were predicted related with ACTB. ConclusionsThis study revealed key DEGs may implement inflammatory immune responses with cirrhosis, which could be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.