Meta-analysis derived atopic dermatitis (MADAD) transcriptome defines a robust AD signature highlighting the involvement of atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism pathways. Issue 1 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ewald, David; Malajian, Dana; Krueger, James; Workman, Christopher; Wang, Tianjiao; Tian, Suyan; Litman, Thomas; Guttman-Yassky, Emma; Suárez-Fariñas, Mayte
• Is Part Of: BMC medical genomics. Volume 8:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Atopic dermatitis -- Meta-analysis -- Transcriptome -- Atherosclerosis -- Expression analysis; Medical genetics -- Periodicals; Genomics -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1186/s12920-015-0133-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-8794

Abstract

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with limited treatment options. Several microarray experiments have been conducted on lesional/LS and non-lesional/NL AD skin to develop a genomic disease phenotype. Although these experiments have shed light on disease pathology, inter-study comparisons reveal large differences in resulting sets of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), limiting the utility of direct comparisons across studies. Methods We carried out a meta-analysis combining 4 published AD datasets to define a robust disease profile, termed meta-analysis derived AD (MADAD) transcriptome. Results This transcriptome enriches key AD pathways more than the individual studies, and associates AD with novel pathways, such as atherosclerosis signaling (IL-37, selectin E/SELE). We identified wide lipid abnormalities and, for the first time in vivo, correlated Th2 immune activation with downregulation of key epidermal lipids (FA2H, FAR2, ELOVL3), emphasizing the role of cytokines on the barrier disruption in AD. Key AD "classifier genes" discriminate lesional from nonlesional skin, and may evaluate therapeutic responses. Conclusions Our meta-analysis provides novel and powerful insights into AD disease pathology, and reinforces the concept of AD as a systemic disease.