SHARED GENETIC PATHWAYS IN HEPATITIS B/C AND CIRRHOSIS: A NETWORK-BASED GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C (HBV, HCV) are major global contributors to liver disease and often lead to cirrhosis. This study explored shared genetic features linking HBV/HCV infections to cirrhosis using a network-based analysis of gene expression data. Transcriptomic profiles from GEO datasets (GSE121248, GSE55092, GSE89377, GSE139602) were integrated, identifying 47 commonly upregulated genes associated with disease progression. Functional enrichment and pathway analysis were conducted using R, while a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the STRING plugin in Cytoscape. Ten hub genes (CDC20, CCNB2, MELK, AURKA, PRC1, TOP2A, CDCA5, PTTG1, TYMS, UBE2C) were identified as key modulators. Additional interaction networks—TF–miRNA and drug–gene—were developed using NetworkAnalyst. This systems biology approach highlights the molecular complexity underlying hepatitis-related cirrhosis and identifies candidate genes for potential therapeutic targeting, pending further validation