Identification and prediction of potential crucial genes and therapeutic drugs associated with preeclampsia

Abstract Background: Preeclampsia is a specific disease related to pregnancy that can cause severe maternal and fetal complications and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal deaths. But its pathogenesis is not yet clear. Objective: This study aimed to explore the potential genes and small molecule drugs of preeclampsia. Methods: Gene expression profile(GSE160888) was acquired from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus. The microarray data included Preeclampsia, placenta, and normal placenta, which were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by R. The PPI network was constructed by using the STRING online database.The module analysis of PPI in MCODE screened out protein interaction modules. Then, Using R, these modules were analyzed again by using KEGG and GO enrichment analysis. Prediction of small-molecule drugs performed by CAMP. Finally, GSE102897 was used to verify the identified Hub genes. Results: A total of 821 genes were identified after standardizing the microarray results, consisting genes of 416 upregulated and 405 downregulated. In total, two modules were identified, and five genes and five small-molecule drugs were selected. Conclusion: In summary, we identified five hub genes that may be involved in the development and development of preeclampsia and screened out five potential small molecule drugs that have some significance for the treatment of preeclampsia.