Identification of Biomarkers in Affected Hair Follicles from Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

The study analyzed gene expression data from hair follicles affected by chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE) using bioinformatics methods. It identified key genes through differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The findings were validated with additional data from skin samples. The study found that type I interferon response-related genes, activated by the RIG-1 and IL-17 signaling pathways, were significantly up-regulated in CDLE-affected hair follicles and skin tissues. The involvement of follicular helper T cells (Tfhs) was also suggested in the disease process.