Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Interaction Network Reveals Gap Junction Beta 2 as a Potential Candidate Gene Involved in Psoriatic Hearing Loss Pathogenesis

Background: Recent studies have shown that patients with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may accompany the serious systemic disease, are at risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The pathogenesis remains unclear, and the mechanisms of this disorder are difficult to explore in the clinical setting due to psoriasis hearing loss’s infrequent incidence. Here, we aimed to identify key candidate genes that may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriatic hearing loss. Methods: In the present study, through online databases and literature review, we utilized microRNA-mRNA network analysis and gene ontology annotation analysis, coupled with experimental data from clinical samples, to investigate the relationship between psoriasis and hearing loss. Results: We identified nine miRNAs implicated in both psoriasis and the auditory system. By using bioinformatics techniques, 12 target genes were identified. Finally, the gap junction beta-2 protein (GJB2) was found to be relevant to both psoriasis and hearing loss. Also, the expression of connexin 26 (Cx26), encoded by GJB2, was significantly downregulated in psoriatic patients’ plasma (p < 0.0001) and was negatively correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) clinical score (r, −0.286; p = 0.036). Conclusion: GJB2 is a potential candidate gene for hearing loss in psoriasis.