TABLE 3.
Summary of the function of 10 hub genes.
| Top 10 in network string_interactions.tsv_MCC_top10 ranked by MCC method | ||
| Gene symbol | Full name | Function |
| CXCL13 | C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 | B lymphocyte chemoattractant, independently cloned and named Angie, is an antimicrobial peptide and CXC chemokine strongly expressed in the follicles of the spleen, lymph nodes, and Peyer’s patches. It preferentially promotes the migration of B lymphocytes (compared to T cells and macrophages), apparently by stimulating calcium influx into, and chemotaxis of, cells expressing Burkitt’s lymphoma receptor 1 (BLR-1). It may therefore function in the homing of B lymphocytes to follicles |
| CCL19 | C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 | One of several CC cytokine genes clustered on the p-arm of chromosome 9. Cytokines are a family of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The CC cytokines are proteins characterized by two adjacent cysteines. The cytokine encoded by this gene may play a role in normal lymphocyte recirculation and homing. It also plays an important role in trafficking of T cells in thymus, and in T cell and B cell migration to secondary lymphoid organs. It specifically binds to chemokine receptor CCR |
| CCL8 | C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 | One of several chemokine genes clustered on the q-arm of chromosome 17. Chemokines form a superfamily of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The superfamily is divided into four subfamilies based on the arrangement of N-terminal cysteine residues of the mature peptide. This chemokine is a member of the CC subfamily which is characterized by two adjacent cysteine residues. This cytokine displays chemotactic activity for monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, and eosinophils |
| CXCL8 | C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 | A member of the CXC chemokine family and is a major mediator of the inflammatory response. The encoded protein is commonly referred to as interleukin-8 (IL-8). IL-8 is secreted by mononuclear macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils, T lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. It functions as a chemotactic factor by guiding the neutrophils to the site of infection. Bacterial and viral products rapidly induce IL-8 expression. IL-8 also participates with other cytokines in the proinflammatory signaling cascade and plays a role in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This gene is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the lower respiratory tract infection bronchiolitis, a common respiratory tract disease caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The overproduction of this proinflammatory protein is thought to cause the lung inflammation associated with csytic fibrosis. This proinflammatory protein is also suspected of playing a role in coronary artery disease and endothelial dysfunction. This protein is also secreted by tumor cells and promotes tumor migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. |
| CXCL16 | C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16 | CXCL16 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 16) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with CXCL16 include Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Among its related pathways are Signaling by GPCR and PEDF Induced Signaling. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations related to this gene include chemokine activity and low-density lipoprotein particle receptor activity. |
| MMP9 | Matrix metallopeptidase 9 | The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Most MMP’s are secreted as inactive proproteins which are activated when cleaved by extracellular proteinases. The enzyme encoded by this gene degrades type IV and V collagens. Studies in rhesus monkeys suggest that the enzyme is involved in IL-8-induced mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells from bone marrow, and murine studies suggest a role in tumor-associated tissue remodeling |
| CCL18 | C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 | One of several Cys-Cys (CC) cytokine genes clustered on the q arm of chromosome 17. Cytokines are a family of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The CC cytokines are proteins characterized by two adjacent cysteines. The cytokine encoded by this gene displays chemotactic activity for naive T cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and nonactivated lymphocytes, but not for monocytes or granulocytes. This chemokine attracts naive T lymphocytes toward dendritic cells and activated macrophages in lymph nodes. It may play a role in both humoral and cell-mediated immunity responses |
| CXCL5 | C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 | This gene encodes a protein that is a member of the CXC subfamily of chemokines. Chemokines, which recruit and activate leukocytes, are classified by function (inflammatory or homeostatic) or by structure. This protein is proposed to bind the G-protein coupled receptor chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 to recruit neutrophils, to promote angiogenesis and to remodel connective tissues. This protein is thought to play a role in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion |
| VCAM1 | Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 | A member of the Ig superfamily and encodes a cell surface sialoglycoprotein expressed by cytokine-activated endothelium. This type I membrane protein mediates leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and signal transduction, and may play a role in the development of artherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Three alternatively spliced transcripts encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene. |
| PPBP | Pro-platelet basic protein | The protein encoded by this gene is a platelet-derived growth factor that belongs to the CXC chemokine family. This growth factor is a potent chemoattractant and activator of neutrophils. It has been shown to stimulate various cellular processes including DNA synthesis, mitosis, glycolysis, intracellular cAMP accumulation, prostaglandin E2 secretion, and synthesis of hyaluronic acid and sulfated glycosaminoglycan. It also stimulates the formation and secretion of plasminogen activator by synovial cells. The protein also is an antimicrobial protein with bactericidal and antifungal activity |