Functional modules analysis based on protein-protein network analysis in ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis involving primarily the sacroiliac joints and the axial skeleton that can lead to bone resorption and bone formation, ultimately resulting in ankylosis. However, our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of AS are far from being clear.

AIM: In this study, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AS samples compared with healthy control, and mapped these DEGs to the protein-protein interaction network.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We applied a statistical approach of MCODE to cluster proteins in the network. Six functional modules were identified in our network.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional studies of these 6 modules suggest that the DEGs may play roles in both the inflammatory environment and bone and cartilage effects. We anticipate the results from this study will provide the groundwork for the understanding of AS pathogenesis.