Molecular Pathogenic Mechanisms of IgA Nephropathy Secondary to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

Introduction: Accumulating evidence has disclosed that IgA nephropathy (IgAN) could present shortly after the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. However, the undying mechanism remains unclear and we aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: We downloaded gene expression da...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Luoyi Wang, Zhaomin Mao, Lirong Zhang, Fengmin Shao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2024-02-01
Series:Kidney & Blood Pressure Research
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Online Access:https://beta.karger.com/Article/FullText/535626
Description
Summary:Introduction: Accumulating evidence has disclosed that IgA nephropathy (IgAN) could present shortly after the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. However, the undying mechanism remains unclear and we aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: We downloaded gene expression datasets of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination (GSE201535) and IgAN (GSE104948). Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify co-expression modules related to the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and IgAN. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and a transcription factor (TF)-miRNA regulatory network and protein-drug interaction were constructed for the shared genes. Results: WGCNA identified one module associated with the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and four modules associated with IgAN. Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed enrichment of cell cycle-related processes for the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine hub genes and immune effector processes for the IgAN hub genes. We identified 74 DEGs for the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and 574 DEGs for IgAN. Intersection analysis with COVID-19 vaccine-related genes led to the identification of two shared genes, TOP2A and CEP55. The TF-miRNA network analysis showed that hsa-miR-144 and ATF1 might regulate the shared hub genes. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and IgAN. The identified pivotal genes may offer new directions for further mechanistic studies of IgAN secondary to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.
ISSN:1423-0143