Deciphering genetic overlaps between pulmonary tuberculosis and GERD for drug target discovery: A structural bioinformatics perspective.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are clinically distinct but may share common molecular mechanisms. This study used integrative bioinformatics to identify 23 significantly dysregulated genes common to both conditions. Key regulatory microRNAs (hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-let-7b-5p, hsa-let-7g-5p) and macrophage-associated pathways were implicated. Interferon alpha/beta signaling emerged as a central shared pathway between PTB and GERD. Five hub genes (MYL9, OASL, ACTA2, DDX60L, and DDX60) were identified as common between these two conditions and their expressions were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Drug repurposing analysis identified ribavirin as a promising candidate targeting the hub gene OASL, supported by a favorable binding affinity (-6.6 kcal/mol) and acceptable ADMET properties. These findings pave the way for understanding the molecular overlap between PTB and GERD and for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.