A ceRNA regulatory network in systemic lupus erythematosus and its molecular interplay with cancer

Abstract Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease defined by the production of autoantibodies and involves multiple organs and systems. Although there are reports on SLE, data on its pathogenesis is limited. Methods: Using R language software, we constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. We then utilized the Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING) and cytoHubba databases to generate a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, which led to the identification of hub genes. The top