Comprehensive analysis of crucial m6A-related differentially expressed genes associated with psoriasis

Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that involves genetic and epigenetic factors. N6-methyladenosine methylation (m6A) is the most prevalent RNA modification implicated in various diseases; however, its role in psoriasis remains unclear. Three psoriasis-related datasets were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially m6A methylated genes (DMGs) between psoriasis and controls were identified from the GSE155702 dataset, and corresponding GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the common DEGs between these two groups were screened from the GSE109248 and GSE142582 datasets. The gene expression of m6A methylation regulators and the interactions among these regulators were also analyzed. 66 significantly upregulated and 381 significantly downregulated m6A peaks were identified corresponding to 414 genes, which were particularly associated with cell and tissue development processes and cell cycle-related items. 271 common DEGs were identified, associating with keratinocyte differentiation, epidermis development, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and fatty acid metabolic processes. 15 crucial m6A-related differentially expressed genes were obtained after the intersection of the DMGs and common DEGs, including NEU2, GALNT6, MTCL1, DOC2B, CAMK2N1, SNTB1, RNF150, CGNL1, CCDC102A, MEOX2, EEF2K, OBSCN, SLC46A2, CCDC85A and DACH1. Our research revealed that psoriasis pathophysiological processes encompass m6A epigenetic alterations, and that m6A alterations may specifically influence cell proliferation and neural regulation and closely associated with osteoarticular involvement and metabolic syndrome in psoriasis.