Inhibition by rno-circRNA-013017 of the apoptosis of motor neurons in anterior horn and descending axonal degeneration in rats after traumatic spinal cord injury

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1065897 · Published: December 15, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of a specific circular RNA, rno-circRNA-013017, to protect against damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers found that increasing the levels of rno-circRNA-013017 reduced the death of motor neurons and the degeneration of nerve fibers (axons) after SCI. These protective effects were associated with improved motor function in the rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for SCI.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

Female Sprague–Dawley rats (age: 10–12 weeks; weight: 250–300 g)

Evidence Level

Level III, Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Overexpression of rno-circRNA-013017 reduces neuron apoptosis after SCI.
2
rno-circRNA-013017 inhibits descending axonal degeneration and preserves motor neurons and descending axons.
3
Overexpression of rno-circRNA-013017 promotes the locomotor function of rats after SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of rno-circRNA-013017 in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers hypothesized that rno-circRNA-013017 could inhibit apoptosis and axonal degeneration after SCI. The study found that overexpression of rno-circRNA-013017 reduced neuronal apoptosis, preserved motor neuron survival and activity, inhibited axonal degeneration, and ultimately promoted locomotor function recovery in rats after SCI. The findings suggest that rno-circRNA-013017 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for SCI by modulating apoptosis and axonal degeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

Identifies rno-circRNA-013017 as a potential therapeutic target for SCI treatment.

Molecular Mechanism Understanding

Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying SCI, particularly the role of circRNAs in apoptosis and axonal degeneration.

Future SCI Studies

Offers new options for future studies exploring therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Rescue experiments on rno-circRNA-013017 and its target genes are needed.
2
More work on the drug dose, administration method, and side eﬀects of rno-circRNA-013 017 should be conducted before applying it to clinical patients.
3
TUNEL positive cells and its data presented supports the conclusion but it fails to identity the cell-types in the spinal cord.

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