The comparison of potential key genes on rat uterus and mammary gland regulated by estradiol

Context Although numerous studies have investigated the regulation of estrogen (E2) on the female reproductive system, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the specific genes and pathways involved in E2 regulation of the uterus and breast. Aims The aim of this study was to explore the shared genes and pathways involved in estrogen regulation of the uterus and mammary gland, which could provide a theoretical basis for disease treatment. Methods Bioinformatics analysis was employed to identify potential genes and pathways associated with E2 regulation of the uterus and breast. Key results The analysis revealed 233 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in datasets GSE89321 and GSE95783 (adjusted-P < 0.05). Additionally, five KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways were identified: Glutathione Metabolism Pathway, Chagas Disease Pathway, Leishmaniasis Pathway, Complement and Coagulation Cascades Pathway, and p53 Signalling Pathway. A protein interaction network was constructed, and 10 hub genes (Alb, Il1a, Serpine1, Timp1, Ccl11, Fos, Krt19, Krt7, Lcn2, and C3) were selected, with Alb being the highest scoring hub gene. The study also predicted the association of Mo-mir-200a-5p and Mo-Mir-200a-3p with Alb and Krt19. Furthermore, 28 DEGs were identified in E2 regulation of the mammary gland, encompassing pathways such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, ErbB Signalling Pathway, Th1 and Th2 Cell Differentiation, Th17 Cell Differentiation, and Transcriptional Misregulation in Cancer. Hub genes in the mammary gland included Pgr, Gata3, Areg, Prom1, Stat5a, Cldn4, Greb1, Tfap2c, Pdk4, and Mb. Prom1, Prom2, Fam84a, and Padi2 were found to be common DEGs in E2 regulation of both the uterus and mammary gland. Conclusions The findings of this study, together with functional annotation and pathway analysis, suggest that Alb serves as a marker protein in E2 regulation of uterus development. Additionally, Prom1, Prom2, Fam84a, and Padi2 are identified as common DEGs involved in E2 regulation of both the uterus and mammary gland. Implications This study provides comprehensive omics data to elucidate the mechanisms underlying estrogen regulation of the uterus and mammary gland, opening up new research directions for disease treatment.