Integrative network analysis of rifampin-regulated miRNAs and their functions in human hepatocytes.

Rifampin is an important drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis, and it increases the drug metabolism in human hepatocytes. Previous studies have shown that rifampin can indirectly influence drug deposition through the regulation of molecular interactions of miRNA, PXR and other genes. The potential functions of miRNAs associated with rifampin- induced drug disposition are poorly understood. In this study, significantly differentially expressed miRNAs (SDEM) were extracted and used to predict the miRNA-regulated co-expression target genes (MCeTG). Additionally, a miRNA-regulated co-expressed protein interaction network (MCePIN) was constructed for SDEM by extending from the protein interaction network (PIN). The functioning of the miRNAs were analyzed using GO analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 20 miRNAs belonging to SDEM were identified, and 632 miRNA-regulated genes were predicted. The MCePIN was constructed by extending from PIN, and 10 miRNAs and 33 genes that are relevant to 7 functions, including response to wounding, wound healing, response to drug, defense response, inflammatory response, liver development and drug metabolism, were discerned. The results provided by this study offer valuable insights into the effect of rifampin on miRNAs, genes and protein levels.