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Genetic network identifies novel pathways contributing to atherosclerosis susceptibility in the innominate artery.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, results from both genetic and environmental factors.In the current study we take a systems-based approach using weighted gene co-expression analysis to identify a candidate pathway of genes related to atherosclerosis. Bioinformatic analyses are performed to identify candidate genes and interactions and several novel genes are characterized using in-vitro studies.We identify 1 coexpression module associated with innominate artery atherosclerosis that is also enriched for inflammatory and macrophage gene signatures. Using a series of bioinformatics analysis, we further prioritize the genes in this pathway and identify Cd44 as a critical mediator of the atherosclerosis. We validate our predictions generated by the network analysis using Cd44 knockout mice.These results indicate that alterations in Cd44 expression mediate inflammation through a complex transcriptional network involving a number of previously uncharacterized genes.

SUBMITTER: Albright J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4142055 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Genetic network identifies novel pathways contributing to atherosclerosis susceptibility in the innominate artery.

Albright Jody J Quizon Pamela M PM Lusis Aldons J AJ Bennett Brian J BJ

BMC medical genomics 20140812

<h4>Background</h4>Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, results from both genetic and environmental factors.<h4>Methods</h4>In the current study we take a systems-based approach using weighted gene co-expression analysis to identify a candidate pathway of genes related to atherosclerosis. Bioinformatic analyses are performed to identify candidate genes and interactions and several novel genes are characterized using in-vitro studies.<h4>Results</h4>We identify 1 coexp ...[more]

PMID: 25115202

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Genetic network identifies novel pathways contributing to atherosclerosis susceptibility in the innominate artery.

Publications

Genetic network identifies novel pathways contributing to atherosclerosis susceptibility in the innominate artery.

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