Found 'Multiexpressed Genes' Causing Chronic Diseases

Understanding Genetic Disease Mechanisms through Disease Network Analysis

Core Gene Discovery Algorithm

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] An algorithm has been developed to identify key genes that can simultaneously cause multiple chronic diseases. Through this, the research team also discovered 13 key genes responsible for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Studying these key genes is expected to contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of genetic diseases.

The research team led by Professor Han Beom from Seoul National University College of Medicine announced on the 12th that they developed an algorithm to identify 'key genes,' and their related research results were recently published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, an international academic journal. Key genes refer to pleiotropic genes that simultaneously influence the expression of multiple diseases. For example, the deletion of a gene on human chromosome 22 affects the manifestation of autism or schizophrenia.

The research team developed an algorithm called 'Playo' that can identify key genes through disease network analysis. It is an algorithm that integrates and analyzes genomic research results of various diseases to effectively find key genes. Using Playo, the research team analyzed big data of 18 traits related to cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, etc.) and discovered 13 key genes that simultaneously influence these traits. These genes are new and have never been reported in cardiovascular disease research until now.

The research team expects that studying key genes will provide important clinical information by suggesting common therapeutic targets for multiple diseases. Professor Han said, "The discovery of key genes is expected to play an important role in understanding the mechanisms of chronic disease onset."