Ferroptosis‑related genes participate in the microglia‑induced neuroinflammation of spinal cord injury via NF‑κB signaling: evidence from integrated single‑cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis

This study investigates the roles of ferroptosis and immune responses in spinal cord injury (SCI) using bioinformatics analysis of multiple datasets. It identifies potential biomarkers, regulatory networks, and cell populations involved in these processes after SCI. The researchers explore the effects of nanolayered double hydroxide loaded with neurotrophic factor 3 (LDH-NT3) on microglial activation, immune responses, and ferroptosis in SCI both in vivo and in vitro. The study constructs TF-miRNA-mRNA networks, which may reveal the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying the inflammatory responses and ferroptosis post SCI.

• 1
  A novel subcluster of microglia exhibiting M1 polarization and a ferroptosis phenotype is involved in SCI, potentially triggering neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.
• 2
  NFKB1 may regulate the expression of CYBB and HMOX1 in a unique subcluster of M1 microglia within the middle SCI lesion, linking microglial ferroptosis and neuroinflammation.
• 3
  NT3-chitosan or LDH-NT3 have potential effects on neuronal regeneration by reducing inflammatory responses and microglial ferroptosis.