Study on gene expression patterns and functional pathways of peripheral blood monocytes reveals potential molecular mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of periodontal supporting tissue caused by local factors. Periodontal surgery can change the gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, little is known about the potential mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis.

Aim: To explore the potential molecular mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis.

Methods: First, based on the expression profiles of genes related to surgical treatment for periodontitis, a set of expression disorder modules related to surgical treatment for periodontitis were obtained by enrichment analysis. Subsequently, based on crosstalk analysis, we proved that there was a significant crosstalk relationship between module 3 and module 5. Finally, based on predictive analysis of multidimensional regulators, we identified a series of regulatory factors, such as endogenous genes, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and transcription factors, which have potential regulatory effects on periodontitis.

Results: A total of 337 genes related to surgical treatment for periodontitis were obtained, and 3896 genes related to periodontitis were amplified. Eight expression modules of periodontitis were obtained, involving the aggregation of 2672 gene modules. These modules are mainly involved in G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, coupled to cyclic nucleotide second messenger, and adenylate cyclase-modulating G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway. In addition, eight endogenous genes (including EGF, RPS27A, and GNB3) were screened by network connectivity analysis. Finally, based on this set of potential dysfunction modules, 94 transcription factors (including NFKB1, SP1, and STAT3) and 1198 ncRNAs (including MALAT1, CRNDE, and ANCR) were revealed. These core regulators are thought to be involved in the potential molecular mechanism of periodontitis after surgical treatment.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, we can show biologists and pharmacists a new idea to reveal the potential molecular mechanism of surgical treatment for periodontitis, and provide valuable reference for follow-up treatment programs.

Keywords: Dysregulation module; Gene expression; Gene expression pattern; Peripheral blood mononuclear cells; Potential molecular mechanism.

Figure 1

Clustering module for synergistic expression of genes related to periodontitis. A: According to the co-expression relationship of differentially expressed genes, eight modules are clustered, and one color represents one module; B: Thermogram of modular gene expression in samples. Genes associated with periodontitis are expressed in groups intuitively in disease samples.

Figure 2

Crosstalk relationship between periodontitis modules.

Figure 3

Functional and pathway identification of gene participation in surgical treatment for periodontitis. A: GO functional enrichment analysis of module genes (excerpts). The darker the color, the stronger the significance of enrichment. The larger the circle, the larger the proportion of module genes in GO functional entry genes; B: KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of module genes. The darker the color, the stronger the significance of enrichment. The larger the circle, the larger the proportion of module genes to KEGG pathway entry genes.