Identification of critical genes associated with spinal cord injury based on the gene expression profile of spinal cord tissues from trkB.T1 knockout mice

MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS, 2019 · DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9884 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

This study uses gene expression profiles from spinal cord tissues of mice with a specific gene knockout (trkB.T1 KO) after spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to find genes and mechanisms that are important in SCI pathology. The researchers compared the genes expressed in these knockout mice to those in normal mice after injury, looking at different time points. They then analyzed these genes to understand their functions and how they interact with each other. The study identified a few key genes (PTPRC, F2, and PLG) that could be potential targets for treating SCI. These findings may help in understanding how SCI develops.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

trkB.T1 knockout (KO) mice and trkB.T1 wild type (WT) mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A total of 664 DEGs in the sham group and SCI groups at days 1, 3, and 7 following injury were identified in trkB.T1 KO mice.
2
Protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type C (PTPRC), coagulation factor II, thrombin (F2), and plasminogen (PLG) were the most significant nodes in the PPI network.
3
‘Fc γ R‑mediated phagocytosis’ and ‘complement and coagulation cascades’ were the significant pathways enriched by genes in the PPI and co‑expression networks.

Research Summary

The study aimed to identify critical genes and mechanisms involved in spinal cord injury (SCI) using gene expression profiles from trkB.T1 knockout mice. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out by comparing trkB.T1 KO and wild-type mice at different time points post-SCI, followed by function, co-expression, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. The research identified PTPRC, F2, and PLG as potential therapeutic targets for SCI, suggesting their involvement in SCI pathology and offering insights for novel treatment strategies.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Targets

PTPRC, F2, and PLG are identified as potential targets for SCI treatment.

Pathway Involvement

Inflammatory responses and coagulation disorders are key areas to target.

Gene Therapy

Further research is needed to assess genetic strategies for SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of clinical materials
2
Limited funding for experimental validation
3
Absence of cellular and clinical sample testing in this study

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