Gene expression profiles reveal key pathways and genes associated with neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury

MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS, 2017 · DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6231 · Published: January 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates gene changes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to understand neuropathic pain (NP) following SCI. It analyzes gene expression profiles from blood samples of patients with and without NP. The study identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with NP compared to controls. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to understand the roles of these genes. The findings suggest potential targets for treating NP, such as GSK3B, OAT, and ODC1, and highlight the involvement of focal adhesion and the T cell receptor signaling pathway in NP following SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 patients with intractable NP and 13 control patients without pain

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A total of 70 upregulated and 61 downregulated DEGs were identified in the PBMC samples from patients with NP.
2
The upregulated genes were predominantly involved in GO terms associated with platelet activation, cell activation, blood coagulation and mitochondrial function.
3
GSK3B was identified as a hub protein in the PPI network, suggesting its central role in the molecular mechanisms of NP following SCI.

Research Summary

The study aimed to investigate gene alterations in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to further examine the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain (NP) following SCI. A total of 70 upregulated and 61 downregulated DEGs were identified in the PBMC samples from patients with NP. The focal adhesion and T cell receptor signaling pathways may be crucial for the development of NP following SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Targets

GSK3B, OAT, and ODC1 may be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of NP following SCI. Further investigation into their specific roles could lead to novel treatment options.

Pathway Involvement

Focal adhesion and the T cell receptor signaling pathway are implicated in the development of NP following SCI, suggesting that targeting these pathways could be beneficial.

Personalized Medicine

Gene expression profiling can help identify individuals at higher risk of developing NP after SCI, allowing for early intervention and personalized treatment strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The study relies on a publicly available dataset, which may have limitations in terms of sample size or patient characteristics.
2
The findings are based on gene expression analysis in PBMCs, which may not fully reflect the molecular mechanisms occurring in the spinal cord.
3
Additional experimental verification is required to confirm the roles of the identified genes and pathways in NP following SCI.

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