Drug target genes and molecular mechanism investigation in isoflurane-induced anesthesia based on WGCNA and machine learning methods.

Purpose: This study sought to identify drug target genes and their associated molecular mechanisms during isoflurane-induced anesthesia in clinical applications.

Methods: Microarray data (ID: GSE64617; isoflurane-treated vs. normal samples) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and hub genes were investigated using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were constructed among the co-DEGs (common genes between DEGs and hub genes), followed by functional enrichment analyses. Then, three machine learning methods were used to reveal drug targets, followed by validation, nomogram analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. Finally, an miRNA-target network was constructed.

Results: A total of 686 DEGs were identified between the two groups-of which, 183 DEGs integrated with genes revealed by WCGNA were identified as co-genes. These genes, including contactin-associated protein 1 (CNTNAP1), are mainly involved in functions such as action potentials. PPI network analysis revealed three models, with the machine learning analysis exploring four drug target genes: A2H, FAM155B, SCARF2, and SDR16C5. ROC and nomogram analyses demonstrated the ideal diagnostic value of these target genes. Finally, miRNA-mRNA pairs were constructed based on the four mRNAs and associated 174 miRNAs.

Conclusion: FA2H, FAM155B, SCARF2, and SDR16C5 may be novel drug target genes for isoflurane-induced anesthesia. CNTNAP1 may participate in the progression of isoflurane-induced anesthesia via its action potential function.