Bioinformatic analysis of specific genes in diabetic nephropathy

<i>Objective</i>: We attempt to explore the pathogenesis and specific genes with aberrant expression in diabetic nephropathy (DN). <i>Methods</i>: 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. <i>Results</i>: 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 <i>VEGFA, ACTG1, HSP90AA1</i> 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. <i>Conclusion</i>: Significant nodes in PPI network provide new insights to understand the mechanism of DN. <i>VEGFA, ACTG1</i> and <i>HSP90AA1</i> may be the potential targets in the DN treatment.