Highlighting the role of immune responses, cell death and the nervous system in acute rotavirus infection using weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Aim: Identifying genes and pathways involved in various stages of rotavirus infection could facilitate the mapping of the interactions between the virus and host. Materials & methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct a co-expression network of genes identified by microarray analysis from samples from children with acute rotavirus infection. Results: Two specific modules were most related to rotavirus infection. The analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) disclosed 393 DEGs between normal and infected individuals. Eighteen novel genes were shared between the modules. Conclusion: The WGCNA revealed novel modules, co-expressed genes and pathways involved in immune responses, cell death/degradation and the nervous system in acute rotavirus infection. Rotaviruses are a type of virus that can cause diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children under 5 years old. In some cases, rotavirus infection can cause neurological disorders like seizures, reduced consciousness and inflammation of the brain. There is no cure for rotavirus infection. Treatment involves drinking plenty of water and symptom relief. To improve our understanding of how rotavirus causes disease, we analyzed the genetic data of children infected with rotavirus and healthy children. We identified genes in infected children that may be linked to rotavirus infection and disease. This information can be useful for identifying new targets for antiviral treatments and vaccines.