LAUSR

Aims: We sought to reveal the key molecular signature in subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), through bioinformatics analysis and further verification in vivo. Main methods: We obtained a transcriptome data of scAT from RYGB and sham‐operated rats from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and the DEGs‐related Gene ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed. Also, the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed among the DEGs. Furthermore, we established an experimental rat model to verify the bioinformatics findings. Key findings: Using the method of bioinformatics, a total of 602 genes were found to be differentially expressed in scAT between the RYGB group and the sham‐operated group. GO analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix(ECM) ‐associated functions or processes. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the protein digestion and absorption pathway and ECM‐receptor interaction pathway were the most significantly enriched pathways. The genes encoding ECM components and ECM remodeling‐related proteins interact substantially in the PPI network. Then the results of rat experimental verified that the gene expression levels of ECM components(Collagen I and III) and ECM cross‐linking related proteins(lysyl oxidase and lysyl oxidase‐like 1) decreased and ECM dagradation‐related proteins increased in scAT following RYGB. These beneficial results were positively associated with improved insulin resistance (IR). Significance: Appropriate ECM remodeling, primarily the reduction of ECM deposition and cross‐linking and the increase of ECM dagradation, may be the key molecular signature in scAT following RYGB.