Analysis of differentially expressed genes in Verruca vulgaris <i>vs</i>. adjacent normal skin by RNA-sequencing

Introduction: Verruca vulgaris is one of the most common low-risk HPV infections and is characterized by excessive proliferation of keratinocytes. Currently, very little genetic information is available regarding verruca vulgaris in the Chinese population. This study aimed to obtain comprehensive transcript information of verruca vulgaris by RNA sequencing. Methods: High-throughput sequencing was performed on three fresh verruca vulgaris samples and adjacent normal skin on the Illumina sequencing platform. The transcriptomes were analyzed using bioinformatics and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified by immunohistochemistry. Verruca vulgaris exhibited a unique molecular signature. Results: In total, 1,643 DEGs were identified in verruca vulgaris compared to normal skin. The functions of the DEGs were studies by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, DEGs Reactome analysis, disease annotation function, and STRING protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The results revealed 595 GO terms associated with the cell cycle, signal transduction, immune system, signaling molecules, and interaction. The Reactome analysis revealed enrichment in reversible hydration of carbon dioxide and BMP signaling, while the disease annotation function revealed that the enriched DEGs are involved in keratosis disorders. The STRING PPI network showed that the edges with the highest density mainly included the 2′–5′ oligoadenylate synthase (OAS) family-related proteins. Furthermore, the M-code analysis found ISG15, IRF7, and OASL were scored as significant modules and their high expression compared to the control was verified by immunohistochemistry. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the genetic information of verruca vulgaris in the Chinese population, revealing that interferon-stimulated genes may play essential roles in verruca vulgaris.