Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease
IntroductionMelanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, and Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, have been epidemiologically linked, showing a positive association that suggests a shared etiology. This association implies that individuals with one condition may...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Genetics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1526018/full |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850188933676138496 |
|---|---|
| author | Limei Zhang Limei Zhang Dailin Li Xu Zheng Moli Wu Qijun Yao Haoran Chen Zhiqiang Ye Bo Yuan |
| author_facet | Limei Zhang Limei Zhang Dailin Li Xu Zheng Moli Wu Qijun Yao Haoran Chen Zhiqiang Ye Bo Yuan |
| author_sort | Limei Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionMelanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, and Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, have been epidemiologically linked, showing a positive association that suggests a shared etiology. This association implies that individuals with one condition may have an increased risk of developing the other. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of gene expression profiles in both PD and melanoma to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may contribute to the pathophysiological overlap between these two conditions.MethodsWe analyzed two independent publicly available genomic datasets to identify overlapping DEGs associated with both PD and melanoma. Regulatory networks, including transcription factors (TFs), DEGs, and microRNAs (miRNAs), were constructed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established to identify hub genes. Additionally, we investigated the interplay between PD, melanoma, and immune cell infiltration to uncover potential correlations between the expression levels of hub genes and specific subsets of immune cells. Molecular docking studies were performed to identify potential therapeutic agents targeting the DEGs.ResultsA total of 41 overlapping DEGs were identified, including VSNL1, ATP6V1G2, and DNM1, which were significantly down-regulated in both PD and melanoma patients. These genes play critical roles in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions relevant to the pathogenesis of both diseases. VSNL1 is associated with synaptic vesicle fusion and may impact neuronal communication compromised in PD. ATP6V1G2, a subunit of the V-ATPase, is involved in the dysregulated pH homeostasis observed in melanoma. DNM1, a key player in vesicle trafficking, may influence aberrant cellular transport processes in both diseases. Regulatory and PPI networks revealed potential hub genes and their interactions. Molecular docking studies identified retinoic acid as a potential therapeutic agent targeting VSNL1, ATP6V1G2, and DNM1.DiscussionOur study provides insights into the shared molecular characteristics of PD and melanoma, identifying potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis and revealing new therapeutic targets. The discovery of retinoic acid as a promising therapeutic agent represents a significant step forward in drug development and treatment strategies for these diseases. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the association between PD and melanoma, paving the way for further research and therapeutic advancements. The findings hold the promise of improved diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies for individuals affected by these debilitating diseases. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-bff98d668d92470ca8567eeabdb8eb80 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-8021 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Genetics |
| spelling | doaj-art-bff98d668d92470ca8567eeabdb8eb802025-08-20T02:15:46ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Genetics1664-80212025-02-011610.3389/fgene.2025.15260181526018Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s diseaseLimei Zhang0Limei Zhang1Dailin Li2Xu Zheng3Moli Wu4Qijun Yao5Haoran Chen6Zhiqiang Ye7Bo Yuan8Department of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaNeurology Department, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaCollege of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaCollege of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaDepartment of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaDepartment of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaDepartment of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaDepartment of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, ChinaIntroductionMelanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, and Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, have been epidemiologically linked, showing a positive association that suggests a shared etiology. This association implies that individuals with one condition may have an increased risk of developing the other. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of gene expression profiles in both PD and melanoma to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may contribute to the pathophysiological overlap between these two conditions.MethodsWe analyzed two independent publicly available genomic datasets to identify overlapping DEGs associated with both PD and melanoma. Regulatory networks, including transcription factors (TFs), DEGs, and microRNAs (miRNAs), were constructed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established to identify hub genes. Additionally, we investigated the interplay between PD, melanoma, and immune cell infiltration to uncover potential correlations between the expression levels of hub genes and specific subsets of immune cells. Molecular docking studies were performed to identify potential therapeutic agents targeting the DEGs.ResultsA total of 41 overlapping DEGs were identified, including VSNL1, ATP6V1G2, and DNM1, which were significantly down-regulated in both PD and melanoma patients. These genes play critical roles in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions relevant to the pathogenesis of both diseases. VSNL1 is associated with synaptic vesicle fusion and may impact neuronal communication compromised in PD. ATP6V1G2, a subunit of the V-ATPase, is involved in the dysregulated pH homeostasis observed in melanoma. DNM1, a key player in vesicle trafficking, may influence aberrant cellular transport processes in both diseases. Regulatory and PPI networks revealed potential hub genes and their interactions. Molecular docking studies identified retinoic acid as a potential therapeutic agent targeting VSNL1, ATP6V1G2, and DNM1.DiscussionOur study provides insights into the shared molecular characteristics of PD and melanoma, identifying potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis and revealing new therapeutic targets. The discovery of retinoic acid as a promising therapeutic agent represents a significant step forward in drug development and treatment strategies for these diseases. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the association between PD and melanoma, paving the way for further research and therapeutic advancements. The findings hold the promise of improved diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies for individuals affected by these debilitating diseases.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1526018/fullmelanomaParkinson’s diseasebioinformatics analysisdifferentially expressed genesmolecular docking |
| spellingShingle | Limei Zhang Limei Zhang Dailin Li Xu Zheng Moli Wu Qijun Yao Haoran Chen Zhiqiang Ye Bo Yuan Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease Frontiers in Genetics melanoma Parkinson’s disease bioinformatics analysis differentially expressed genes molecular docking |
| title | Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease |
| title_full | Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease |
| title_short | Exploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson’s disease |
| title_sort | exploring the underlying molecular connections a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and parkinson s disease |
| topic | melanoma Parkinson’s disease bioinformatics analysis differentially expressed genes molecular docking |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2025.1526018/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT limeizhang exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT limeizhang exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT dailinli exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT xuzheng exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT moliwu exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT qijunyao exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT haoranchen exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT zhiqiangye exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease AT boyuan exploringtheunderlyingmolecularconnectionsabioinformaticsapproachtolinkmelanomaandparkinsonsdisease |