Bioinformatic analysis of specific genes in diabetic nephropathy

Objective: We attempt to explore the pathogenesis and specific genes with aberrant expression in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods: The gene expression profile of GSE1009 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 3 normal function glomeruli and DN glomeruli from cadaveric donor kidneys. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed and the aberrant gene-related functions were predicted by informatics methods. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks for DEGs were constructed and the functional sub-network was screened. Results: A total of 416 DEGs were found to be differentially expressed in DN samples comparing with normal controls, including 404 up-regulated genes and 12 down-regulated genes. DEGs were involved in the process of combination to saccharides and the decline of tissue repairing ability of the organisms. The genes of VEGFA, ACTG1, HSP90AA1 had high degree in the PPI network. The main biological process of genes in the sub-network was related with cell proliferation and signal transmitting of cell membrane receptor. Conclusion: Significant nodes in PPI network provide new insights to understand the mechanism of DN. VEGFA, ACTG1 and HSP90AA1 may be the potential targets in the DN treatment.