We aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in epidermal stem cells (epiSCs) in response to high fat diet (HFD). DEGs were identified by time-series analysis of the gene expression profile (GSE84510) in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functions and pathways affected by HFD were identified by functional annotation of DEGs. Key factors responding to HFD was identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Two groups of genes with the same tendency in response to HFD were identified. ECM-related processes and PI3K pathway were altered in the early stage of obesity. A PPI network was constructed to delineate the interactions among proteins encoded by DEGs and ICAM1 and RELA were key epiSC factors respond to HFD. Our studies may provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying how obesity affects the functions of epiSC.
Keywords: STEM; epidermal stem cell; gene expression; high fat diet; obesity.