Molecular mechanism analysis of nontuberculous mycobacteria infection in patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of cystic fibrosis (CF) complicated with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. Materials & methods: Expression profiles of CF with NTM-infected patients were downloaded from GEO database. Intersection analysis yielded 78 genes associated with CF with NTM infection. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the functions of hub genes were investigated. Results: Five hub genes (PIK3R1, IL1A, CXCR4, ACTN1, PFN1) were identified, which were primarily enriched in actin-related biological processes and pathways. Transcription factors RELA, JUN, NFKB1 and FOS that regulated hub genes modulated IL1A expression, while 21 other transcription factors regulated CXCR4 expression. Conclusion: In summary, this study may provide new insights into the mechanisms of CF with NTM infection.

Summary points

• Actin-related biological processes and pathways may play a crucial role in the process of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

• IL1A and CXCR4 may be important genes involved in the development of CF patients with comorbid NTM infection.

• Modulating transcription factors such as RELA, NFKB1, KLF2 and FOXO1 may be beneficial for the treatment of CF patients.

Keywords: :

• cystic fibrosis
• gene expression omnibus
• infection
• nontuberculous mycobacteria
• transcription factors

Author contributions

QH Chen contributed to conceptualization and data curation. J Li contributed to methodology and formal analysis. QH Chen and J Li contributed to writing. All authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

Financial disclosure

This work was supported by the 2020 Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (grant number: 2020J011146). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the 2020 Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (grant number: 2020J011146). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.