Using Micro- and Macro-Level Network Metrics Unveils Top Communicative Gene Modules in Psoriasis

Abstract

(1) Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, with significant morbidity, characterized by hyperproliferation of the epidermis. Even though psoriasis’ etiology is not fully understood, it is believed to be multifactorial, with numerous key components. (2) Methods: In order to cast light on the complex molecular interactions in psoriasis vulgaris at both protein–protein interactions and transcriptomics levels, we studied a set of microarray gene expression analyses consisting of 170 paired lesional and non-lesional samples. Afterwards, a network analysis was conducted on the protein–protein interaction network of differentially expressed genes based on micro- and macro-level network metrics at a systemic level standpoint. (3) Results: We found 17 top communicative genes, all of which were experimentally proven to be pivotal in psoriasis, which were identified in two modules, namely the cell cycle and immune system. Intra- and inter-gene interaction subnetworks from the top communicative genes might provide further insight into the corresponding characteristic interactions. (4) Conclusions: Potential gene combinations for therapeutic/diagnostics purposes were identified. Moreover, our proposed workflow could be of interest to a broader range of future biological network analysis studies.