Collagen Cross-Linking Therapy on Important Functional Genes Involved in Keratoconus Patients Using Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) Network and Differential Expression Analysis

thinning, and scarring that adversely affects the ability to see and quality of life. A defective corneal Extracellular Matrix (ECM) assembly ultimately results in myopia, irregular astigmatism, and severe visual impairment. This condition is most commonly occurring in adolescence, this condition is one of the most commonly indicated clinical indications for corneal transplantation. In contrast to corneal transplantation, Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) increases corneal stiffness without inflicting any invasive surgery. Material and Methods: This study used RNA-Seq data to investigate which functional genes are regulated by CXL in keratoconus. The RNA-Seq expression matrix related to individuals with Keratoconus (KC) and patients treated with Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE112155) database 1 at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) were retrieved. Differential expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted. The hub genes were then identified with the Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) network. Finally, Transcription Factor (TF) genes were identified that regulate these networks. Results: We identified 126 genes in KC and CXL-treated patients that affect TF-mediated network adjustments that improve treatment. In addition, they may play a role in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. Visualization of the PPI networks enabled us to identify 63 highly connected or Hub genes that served an essential biological function in regulatory Conclusion: networks.