Comparative Transcriptomics of Rat and Axolotl After Spinal Cord Injury Dissects Differences and Similarities in Inflammatory and Matrix Remodeling Gene Expression Patterns

Following spinal cord injury, mammals experience inflammation and tissue scarring, leading to permanent loss of function. Axolotls, however, can fully regenerate their spinal cord without scarring after injury. This study compares gene expression patterns in rats and axolotls after spinal cord injury to identify molecules and pathways involved in tissue responses. The researchers analyzed transcriptomic datasets from rats and axolotls, focusing on shared genes with similar or differential expression patterns at days 1, 3, and 7 after spinal cord injury. They used computational tools to describe system-wide differences and similarities between the two species, highlighting key differentially regulated genes. The study found that extracellular matrix genes were upregulated in both species after spinal cord injury, suggesting the importance of matrix remodeling in wound healing. Additionally, the transcription factor SP1 was consistently upregulated in rats but unchanged in axolotls, indicating its potential role in regulating inflammatory response genes in rats.

• 1
  Extracellular matrix genes were upregulated in both rats and axolotls after spinal cord injury at all time points (days 1, 3, and 7), indicating the importance of extracellular matrix remodeling in wound healing.
• 2
  The transcription factor SP1 was consistently upregulated in rats but remained unchanged in axolotls after spinal cord injury. SP1 was predicted as a potential transcriptional regulator of classic inflammatory response genes in rats.
• 3
  Genes associated with neuron projection were upregulated in axolotls but downregulated in rats, suggesting differences in spinal cord regeneration capabilities between the two species.