Identification of key genes in inflammatory bowel disease, characteristics of immune infiltration, and molecular mechanisms using multiomics analysis and Mendelian randomization

Purpose: We explored the possible influence of key genes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to determine if they may be targets for treating or diagnosing IBD. Patients and methods: We identified key genes associated with the pathogenesis of IBD through multiomics data and Mendelian randomization analysis. Furthermore, we investigated the role of these genes in disease progression, immune infiltration, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results: We successfully identified six key genes (Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor F1 ( ADGRF1) , CINP Kinetochore-Binding Protein ( CINP) , Equatorin ( EQTN) , Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor ( IGF1R) , Poliovirus Receptor ( PVR) , and Serpin Family A Member 9 ( SERPINA9 ) associated with IBD. These genes exhibited unique expression patterns at the immune infiltration level. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed their enrichment in multiple key signaling pathways. Conclusion: Further analysis of the transcription factor regulatory network and single-cell sequencing results revealed these genes’ possible role in disease progression, suggesting that they may be important targets for future treatment and diagnosis of IBD. Therefore, this article provides new insights into potential therapeutic targets for IBD.