Bioinformatics-based study of possible genetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic agents for PBC

Abstract Objectives: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease and there is still no clear conclusion as to its cause. Treatment options for PBC are still unsatisfactory. This study aims to explore the possible molecular mechanisms of PBC through bioinformatics techniques and to speculate on potential drugs. Methods: Firstly, we selected four keywords related to PBC for the search, filtered out the genes related to them and took the intersection. Then these intersecting genes were annotated and analysed using GO and KEGG databases. Next, we explored the interrelationships between the key genes and screened for the most closely related sets of genes. Finally, the database is searched to identify drugs associated with these genes. Results: The 52 genes shared by the four keywords were obtained through text mining and analysis. Three of these genes were not linked to other genes, and a core gene cluster comprising 23 genes was filtered out of the remaining 49 genes. Finally, the core gene cluster was used to filter out 36 drugs corresponding to them. Conclusions: This study identified 23 genes most closely related to PBC and 36 potential therapeutic agents for PBC and their possible pathways of action.