A Time-Course Study of the Expression Level of Synaptic Plasticity-Associated Genes in Un-Lesioned Spinal Cord and Brain Areas in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury: A Bioinformatic Approach

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168606 · Published: August 10, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how genes related to synaptic plasticity change in the brain and spinal cord of rats after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Synaptic plasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt over time, which is important for recovery after injuries. The researchers looked at gene expression levels in the motor cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and spinal cord segments at different times (24 hours, 8 days, and 45 days) after the SCI. They used a bioinformatic analysis to understand these changes. The findings suggest that there are different patterns of gene expression in different regions of the spinal cord and brain after SCI. These changes could help us understand how the brain and spinal cord reorganize themselves after an injury.

Study Duration

45 Days

Participants

5 rats per time point and 5 control rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A different gene expression regulation is observed in the SC segments rostral and caudal to the lesion.
2
Long lasting changes in the SC includes the extracellular matrix (ECM) enzymes Timp1, transcription regulators (Egr, Nr4a1), second messenger associated proteins (Gna1, Ywhaq).
3
Long-lasting changes in the Motor Cortex includes transcription regulators (Cebpd), neurotransmitters/neuromodulators and receptors (Cnr1, Gria1, Nos1), growth factors and related receptors (Igf1, Ntf3, Ntrk2), second messenger associated proteins (Mapk1).

Research Summary

This study investigated the expression regulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity also exploiting a data-driven approach for the analysis. We included in the study brain and SC areas outside the lesioned segment, i.e., in the CTX-M, BG, CB and SC segments rostral (T4−T7) and caudal (T12−L3) to the lesion (T9). The inclusion of SC segments which are not directly involved in the primary lesion, brain areas responsible for the cortical, extrapyramidal and cerebellar movement control, as well as the inclusion of a late time point, together with the focus on synaptic plasticity genes, represents the novelty of this study, covering a still void segment in literature.

Practical Implications

Understanding Neuroplasticity

The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity following SCI, which could help in developing targeted therapies to promote recovery.

Personalized Medicine

Identifying specific gene expression patterns could lead to personalized treatment strategies based on individual responses to SCI.

Drug Development

The identified genes and pathways could serve as potential targets for drug development aimed at enhancing synaptic plasticity and functional recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The study focused on a specific set of genes related to synaptic plasticity, and other genes may also be involved in the recovery process.
3
The study used pooled samples for microarray experiments, which may mask individual variability.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury