Molecular mechanism analysis of nontuberculous mycobacteria infection in patients with cystic fibrosis

<b>Aim:</b> This study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of cystic fibrosis (CF) complicated with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. <b>Materials &amp; methods:</b> Expression profiles of CF with NTM-infected patients were downloaded from GEO database. Intersection analysis yielded 78 genes associated with CF with NTM infection. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the functions of hub genes were investigated. <b>Results:</b> Five hub genes (<i>PIK3R1</i>, <i>IL1A</i>, <i>CXCR4</i>, <i>ACTN1</i>, <i>PFN1</i>) were identified, which were primarily enriched in actin-related biological processes and pathways. Transcription factors <i>RELA</i>, <i>JUN</i>, <i>NFKB1</i> and <i>FOS</i> that regulated hub genes modulated <i>IL1A</i> expression, while 21 other transcription factors regulated <i>CXCR4</i> expression. <b>Conclusion:</b> In summary, this study may provide new insights into the mechanisms of CF with NTM infection. Actin-related biological processes and pathways may play a crucial role in the process of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. <i>IL1A</i> and <i>CXCR4</i> may be important genes involved in the development of CF patients with comorbid NTM infection. Modulating transcription factors such as <i>RELA</i>, <i>NFKB1</i>, <i>KLF2</i> and <i>FOXO1</i> may be beneficial for the treatment of CF patients.