In the PPI network, the top 10 hub nodes and top four modules harboured the most relevant genes contributing to the differences between SSc and RA, including key genes such as IL6, EGF, JUN, FGF2, BMP2, FOS, BMP4, LRRK2, CTNNB1, EP300, CD79, and CXCL13. Here, FGF2 is linked to systemic sclerosis.