Identification and Characterization of The Gene Profile in Diabetes Induced Erectile Dysfunction Rat Model

Abstract

Background: Genes are differentially expressed in diabetes induced erectile dysfunction (DED); however, there is still a lack of systematic and in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of DED. This study aimed to systematically analyze molecular correlates leading to ED in diabetes by bioinformatics analysis, and provide new insights into the mechanism of DED.Results: A total of 800 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 407 upregulated and 393 downregulated) were identified in the diabetic-induced ED samples compared with the control group. The upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in glucose and lipid metabolism-related pathways, and the downregulated DEGs were primarily enriched in tissue development and structure. The dysregulated extracellular matrix genes (especially related to collagen and elastin) may be closely related to the damage of erectile function of the corpus cavernosum. Sixteen hub genes (6 upregulated, 10 downregulated) and 24 modules were detected buy hub gene and MCODE analysis. Protein phosphorylation might play an important role in DED. Furthermore, 20 TFs targeting DEGs were identified by ChEA3.Conclusions: Our research comprehensively and systematically described the molecular characteristics of DED, and suggested that dysregulated extracellular matrix genes and protein phosphorylation may play critical roles in DED.