Identification of mitophagy-related hub genes during the progression of spinal cord injury by integrated multinomial bioinformatics analysis

Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101654 · Published: January 25, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to sensory and motor function loss, with limited effective treatments currently available. Mitophagy, a process of mitochondrial quality control, is crucial in physiological and pathological events. This study seeks to understand mitophagy's role and pinpoint related hub genes in SCI pathophysiology. Datasets GSE15878 and GSE138637 were analyzed to identify genes and pathways linked to both SCI and mitophagy. Bioinformatics analyses identified SKP1 and BAP1 as key genes in mitophagy during SCI. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), resting NK cells, and activated mast cells appear significant in SCI progression.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

15 Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6–7 weeks

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SKP1 and BAP1 were identified as hub genes of mitophagy-related DEGs during SCI development.
2
Regulatory T cells (Tregs)/ resting NK cells/activated mast cells may play an essential role in the progression of SCI.
3
LINC00324 and SNHG16 may regulate SKP1 and BAP1, respectively, through miRNAs.

Research Summary

This study aimed to elucidate the role of mitophagy and identify potential mitophagy-related hub genes in SCI pathophysiology using bioinformatics analysis. SKP1 and BAP1 were identified as hub genes of mitophagy-related DEGs during SCI development, and Tregs/ resting NK cells/activated mast cells may play an essential role in the progression of SCI. The mRNA expression levels of BAP1 and SKP1 were detected in the injured sites of spinal cord of SD rats at 6 h and 72 h after injury using RT-qPCR, and found that the level were decreased.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Targets

SKP1 and BAP1 could serve as accessible targets for diagnosing SCI.

Therapeutic Intervention

Targeting SKP1 and BAP1 pathways could provide new avenues for treating SCI.

Immune Cell Modulation

Understanding the role of Tregs, NK cells, and mast cells can lead to immunomodulatory therapies for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Data from public sources may have statistical imperfections and limited samples.
2
Datasets were derived from different strains of rats, so there are some genetics and physiological differences, which may lead to skewed interpretations.
3
Further studies are needed to evaluate the key pathways and transcriptional regulation and potential target compounds of hub genes involved in SCI development.

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