Onion Extract on Cell Gene Expression Profile: a System Biology Approach

Background and objectives: Widespread consuming of onion as a nutrient in the world implies more investigations about useful and harmful aspects of this common supplementary food. Assessment of molecular mechanism of yellow onion extract on cell line Caco-2 was the aim of this study. Methods: Data was extracted from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The gene expression profiles of Caco-2 cells in the presence of yellow onion extract versus control cells were analyzed via GOE2R software. The significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were assessed via network analysis and the central nodes were enriched via gene ontology. Results: Thirteen central nodes including JUN, ATF3, DUSP1 VEGF, CDKN1A, SNAI1, HSPB1, MCL1, SQSTM1, SREBF1, MAP1LC3B, EZR, and DUSP5 were identified. The related biological terms in five groups were introduced. JUN as a crucial DEG was highlighted. Conclusion: Based on findings, yellow onion extract effects on the wide range of cellular function such as apoptosis, cell proliferation and more other vital functions. The significant role of c-Jun proto-oncogene (among JUN, ATF3, and DUSP1 as hub-bottlenecks) and “c-Jun-ATF3 complex” biological term group as the affected individuals by yellow onion extract were pointed in this study.