Identification of Key Genes and Pathways for Childhood Obesity Using System Biology Approach Based on Comprehensive Gene Information

Abstract Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the most important public health issues of the 21st century. Epidemiological studies have suggested that obesity during childhood increases the risk of developing comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, later in life. Childhood obesity is a complex disease whose molecular mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In this context, a system biology approach could contribute to the scientific knowledge regarding genetic factors related to childhood obesity onset. Aim: To identify molecular mechanisms involved in childhood obesity by implementing a system biology approach. Methods: Experimentally validated and computationally predicted genes related to Pediatric Obesity (C2362324) were downloaded from the DisGeNET v7.0 database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING v11.0 database and analyzed using NetworkAnalyst v3.0 and Cytoscape v3.8.1. The relevance of each node for the network structure and functionality was assessed using the degree method to define hub genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed based on Gene Ontology (GO) terms and KEGG Pathways. Results: The search on the DisGeNET database retrieved 191 childhood obesity-related genes. The PPI network of these genes showed 19 hub genes (STAT3, SIRT1, BCL2, IRS1, PPARG, SOCS3, TGFB1, HDAC4, DNMT1, ADCY3, PPARA, NEDD4L, ACACB, NR0B2, VEGFA, APOA1, GHR, CALR, and MKKS). These hub genes were involved in biological processes of lipid storage / kinase activity, regulation of fatty-acid metabolic processes, regulation of pri-miRNA transcription by RNA polymerase II, and negative regulation of small molecules and carbohydrate metabolic processes. In terms of molecular functions, repressing of transcription factors biding was found enriched. Regarding KEGG Pathways, the hub genes are involved with adipocytokine signaling, insulin resistance, longevity regulation, and cytokine signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our approach identified 19 hub genes, which are highly connected and probably have a key role in childhood obesity. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses demonstrated they are enriched in several biological processes and pathways related to the underlying molecular mechanisms of obesity. These findings provide a more comprehensive information regarding genetic and molecular factors behind childhood obesity pathogenesis. Further experimental investigation of our findings may shed light on the pathophysiology of this disease and contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets.