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International Journal of
Biology Research
ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Network-Based systems biology analysis for target and pathway identification in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors
Suparna Deepak, Archana Yadav
Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations in the CFTR gene, resulting in abnormal chloride transport, airway inflammation, and progressive pulmonary damage. While CFTR dysfunction is the main molecular cause, disease severity is modulated by intricate gene interaction networks and inflammatory signaling pathways. In this study, a bioinformatics-based network analysis approach was used to uncover important target genes and pathways for CF. A list of CF-related seed genes was obtained from the DisGeNET database and supplemented by GeneMANIA to build a functional interaction network. Protein-protein interaction analysis was carried out using the STRING tool, and hub genes were selected according to network topology. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed using Reactome.

A total of 16 high-confidence CF-associated genes were analyzed. and TNF, IL1B, and IL6 were found to be high-degree hub genes. Reactome enrichment analysis showed significant participation of Interleukin-1 signaling, cytokine-mediated immune response, neutrophil degranulation, and oxidative stress pathways. These results underscore the pivotal role of inflammatory and immune regulatory pathways in CF pathogenesis. This study offers a systems-level perspective of CF molecular pathogenesis and points to new therapeutic targets that could be used in addition to CFTR-modulator therapy.
Pages:33-39
How to cite this article:
Suparna Deepak, Archana Yadav "Network-Based systems biology analysis for target and pathway identification in Cystic Fibrosis". International Journal of Biology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 33-39
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