Gene-Chemical Compound Interaction Analysis of Macular Amyloidosis Publisher



Ghaisari M ; Arjmand B ; Razzaghi Z ; Rezaei M ; Mansouri V ; Rostaminejad M ; Razi F ; Bandarian F
Source: Iranian Journal of Dermatology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Macular amyloidosis (MA) is a skin disorder with a wide range of therapeutic options. Only a few genes associated with MA have been identified and its molecular mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, genes and chemical compounds highly related to MA were analyzed through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to provide a new perspective on the disease. Methods: Genes related to “macular amyloidosis” were extracted from the GeneCards database and analyzed through PPI network analysis using the “STITCH” plugin in Cytoscape software version 3.10.1 to elucidate gene-chemical compound interactions. The constructed PPI network was further analyzed using the “Network analyzer” application in Cytoscape, and the central genes along with the related chemical compounds were assessed through directed PPI network analysis by using CluePedia. Expression of critical genes expression in skin tissue was investigated using data from The Human Protein Atlas. Results: A total of 47 protein-coding genes from the GeneCards database were evaluated using PPI network analysis. Nine explored chemical compounds were identified as interacting with the genes FURIN, AKT1, TP53, TMPRSS2, KLK2, CST3, and KLK3. Among these, AKT1, TP53 (which exhibits the highest expression in skin), and CST3 were highlighted as critical genes related to MA. The compounds Akti-1/2, GSNO, theophylline, trapidil, Ar12456, Ar12463, and Ar12465 were identified as important chemical agents associated with MA. Conclusion: In summary, AKT1, TP53, and CST3, along with the associated chemical compounds theophylline and GSNO, were identified as critical elements in MA. © Iranian Journal of Dermatology.