Objective: DNA microarray data of patients with osteoporosis were compared with that of healthy people to identify key genes and thus disclose the underlying regulatory network.
Methods: Microarray dataset GSE35958 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including five gene chips from patients with primary osteoporosis and four from age-matching nonosteoporosis controls. Raw data were preprocessed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the t-test. Then, function and pathway annotations were given by gene ontology (GO) and KEGG. The regulatory network for the DEGs was established from the aspects of transcription factors and microRNAs (miRNAs). The regulators of the miRNAs were also predicted by the MATCH algorithm.
Results: A total of 274 DEGs were obtained with 47 significantly over-represented GO terms and 2 KEGG pathways. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory networks were established for the DEGs. Moreover, upstream regulators of the miRNAs were also obtained.
Conclusion: A range of genes, which might be implicated in the development of osteoporosis were obtained in the present study. Our findings are of possible benefit for the understanding of the unsolved regulatory mechanisms, and future clinical diagnosis as well as treatment.