New Molecular Map Unveils Hidden Links Between Diseases

Recent research from the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) has created a comprehensive molecular map that uncovers previously unknown connections between various diseases. Our body is an intricate network where changes caused by one illness can influence the development of others. While some disease co-occurrences, like Crohn's disease and ulcers, are well documented, the underlying molecular mechanisms were largely elusive until now.

The study analyzed molecular data from over 4,000 patients across 45 different diseases using a novel computational approach. This represents one of the largest efforts to scientifically explain how and why certain diseases tend to co-occur. Findings revealed that about 64% of known disease connections are linked through similarities in gene expression, shedding light on the biological processes tying these conditions together.

Using RNA sequencing data, researchers observed complex interactions: positive ones where one disease promotes another, such as asthma and Parkinson's disease; and negative interactions where having one disease appears to protect against another, like Huntington's disease and certain cancers. For instance, Huntington's patients develop fewer lung or breast cancers, potentially due to opposite pathways in biological processes, which the study explores further.

A key insight from this research is the central role of the immune system, as immune pathways show alterations common to 95% of diseases with known associations. The study also suggests new links, such as between Down syndrome and lupus, which could improve diagnosis methods and therapeutic approaches.

Importantly, many disease associations only emerge within specific patient subgroups based on molecular profiles. This approach explains why individuals with the same diagnosis can follow different clinical courses and highlights underdiagnosed links. It also holds promise for rare diseases, which are often hard to characterize due to limited data.

The methodology advances personalized medicine by integrating clinical and genomic data, enabling potential prediction of disease development and more tailored, preventive treatments. To facilitate further research, the BSC team launched a public web platform that allows interactive exploration of disease links and their molecular mechanisms.

This groundbreaking work not only deepens our understanding of disease interconnectedness but also paves the way for improved diagnostics, personalized therapies, and new research avenues in medical science.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-molecular-reveals-previously-hidden-diseases.html