Novel tuberculosis susceptibility candidate genes revealed by the reconstruction and analysis of associative networks

Infect Genet Evol. 2016 Dec:46:118-123. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.10.030. Epub 2016 Oct 31.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infectious disease caused by M. tuberculosis. The risk of the disease is dependent on complex interactions between host genetics and environmental factors. Accumulated genomic data, along with novel methodological approaches such as associative networks, facilitate studies into the inherited basis of TB. In the current study, we carried out the reconstruction and analysis of an associative network representing molecular interactions between proteins and genes associated with TB. The network predominantly comprises of well-studied key proteins and genes which are able to govern the immune response against M. tuberculosis. However, this approach also allowed us to reveal 12 proteins encoded by genes, the polymorphisms of which have never been studied in relation to M. tuberculosis infection. These proteins include surface antigens (CD4, CD69, CD79, CD80, MUC16) and other important components of the immune response, inflammation, pathogen recognition, cell migration and activation (HCST, ADA, CP, SPP1, CXCR4, AGER, PACRG). Thus, the associative network approach enables the discovery of new candidate genes for TB susceptibility.

Keywords: Associative network; Genes; Susceptibility; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Protein Interaction Maps / genetics*
  • Protein Interaction Maps / immunology*
  • Software
  • Tuberculosis / genetics*
  • Tuberculosis / immunology