️ Episode 122: Patient Stratification Reveals the Molecular Basis of Disease Co-Occurrences

In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore a study that investigates the molecular underpinnings of why certain diseases tend to co-occur. By using large-scale RNA sequencing data, the authors present a novel approach to identify disease co-occurrences, revealing a shared molecular basis in many comorbidities, particularly involving the immune system. The study introduces patient stratification based on gene expression profiles, which uncovers known and potential new disease associations, providing a framework for personalized approaches to managing comorbidities.

Study Highlights:
The researchers developed a Disease Similarity Network (DSN) that uses gene expression data to map disease relationships, explaining 64% of known disease co-occurrences. They demonstrate that many comorbidities, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and various cancers, share common molecular pathways, particularly immune-related processes. The study also identifies previously underdiagnosed comorbidities, offering insights that could inform therapeutic strategies. A web application is provided for exploring these molecular insights and the relationships between diseases and their associated molecular mechanisms.

Conclusion:
This work underscores the importance of patient stratification and molecular profiling in understanding disease co-occurrences, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment by revealing hidden connections between diseases.

Reference:
Urda-García, B., Sánchez-Valle, J., Lepore, R., & Valencia, A. (2025). Patient stratification reveals the molecular basis of disease co-occurrences. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122*(35), e2421060122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2421060122

License:
This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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On PaperCast Base by Base, you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics.

Keywords: disease co-occurrence, RNA sequencing, patient stratification, immune system, molecular mechanisms.