Identification of pivotal genes and pathways for spinal cord injury via bioinformatics analysis

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify key genes and pathways associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and subsequently investigate possible therapeutic targets for the condition. The array data of GSE20907 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and 24 gene chips, including 3-day, 4-day, 1-week, 2-week and 1-month post-SCI together with control propriospinal neurons, were used for the analysis. The raw data was normalized and then the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the (A) 2-week post-SCI group vs. control group, (B) 1-month post-SCI group vs. control group, (C) 1-month and 2-week post-SCI group vs. control group, and (D) all post-SCI groups vs. all control groups, were analyzed with a limma package. Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses for DEGs were performed. Cluster analysis was performed using ClusterOne plugins. All the DEGs identified were associated with immune and inflammatory responses. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4) and cytochrome B-245, α polypeptide (CYBA) were in the network diagrams of (A), (C) and (D), respectively. The enrichment analysis of DEGs identified in all samples demonstrated that the DEGs were also enriched in the chemokine signaling pathway (enriched in STAT3) and the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI) signaling pathway [enriched in proto-oncogene, src family tyrosine kinase (LYN)]. Immune and inflammatory responses serve significant roles in SCI. STAT3, ERBB4 and CYBA may be key genes associated with SCI at certain stages. Furthermore, STAT3 and LYN may be involved in the development of SCI via the chemokine and FcεRI signaling pathways, respectively.

The Network of miRNA–mRNA Interactions in Circulating T Cells of Patients Following Major Trauma – A Pilot Study

“… 3 Interestingly, some studies demonstrated activation of chemokine signaling pathway genes in sciatic nerve injury, 34 traumatic brain injury, 35 and acute and chronic spinal cord injuries. 36 , 37 Notably, most patients (16 of 26 patients) in this study had traumatic brain injuries. The impact of injuries to various body parts on specific miRNA–mRNA interactions requires further investigation.…”

Upregulation of RAB7 Relates To Neuronal Pyroptosis After Spinal Cord Injury In Rat

“…During SCI, most of the cells died because of injury-induced biochemical changes (secondary injury). The secondary injury induced by SCI leads to cell death may persist for several days to weeks and cause nervous malfunction (Zhu et al 2017). Studies have demonstrated that apoptosis, in ammation, tissue ischemia, cell edema, and other pathophysiological converts can greatly reinforce the damage level of SCI which leads to multiple neurological dysfunctions after trauma (Alizadeh et The Rab proteins are one of the Ras small GTPase superfamilies, a large amount of literature has shown that Rab proteins are key regulators of membrane tra cking, cell signaling, cell growth and development by binding to effecter proteins (Gonzalez-Gaitan and Stenmark 2003; Snider 2003).…”

Bioinformatics analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying traumatic spinal cord injury

“…In a number of recent bioinformatics studies, transcriptome analysis at different time points post-SCI was performed and various molecular events were characterized (8)(9)(10)(11)(12). The immune response, inflammatory-associated functions, vasculature development and neurological functions were demonstrated to serve roles in the development of SCI (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). However, certain molecular alterations that occur in a temporal and spatial manner remain to be elucidated, particularly those that occur during the secondary injury process.…”