Integrated bioinformatics analysis identified cuproptosis-related hub gene Mpeg1 as potential biomarker in spinal cord injury

Scientific Reports, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86170-0 · Published: January 8, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Bioinformatics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury lacks effective treatments. Cuproptosis, a newly discovered cell death pathway, plays roles in cancers, but its role in spinal cord injury is unknown. This study explores cuproptosis's involvement in SCI using bioinformatics and experiments. The study used RNA sequencing data and identified hub genes like Cd48 and Mpeg1, which are linked to immune processes. Mpeg1 was found to be highly expressed in microglia after spinal cord injury. In vitro experiments validated Mpeg1's molecular functions in SCI. Targeting Mpeg1, cuproptosis, and immune cell infiltration could potentially reduce tissue damage and promote recovery after SCI, offering insights for future therapies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 25 and 30 g

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Two hub genes, Cd48 and Mpeg1, were identified and exhibited a strong positive correlation (R = 0.92) and shared similar pathways, suggesting their importance in SCI.
2
M2 macrophages displayed a positive correlation with Cd48 and Mpeg1, while there was a negative correlation with neutrophil infiltration, indicating a potential immune-related role for these genes in SCI.
3
Single-cell RNA sequencing data confirmed that Mpeg1 was highly expressed in microglia following spinal cord injury, further supporting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of cuproptosis in spinal cord injury (SCI) using bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing data from SCI samples. It identifies hub genes, including Cd48 and Mpeg1, and their association with immune processes. The research finds a strong positive correlation between Cd48 and Mpeg1, along with their association with M2 macrophages. Single-cell RNA sequencing confirms high Mpeg1 expression in microglia post-SCI. In vitro experiments validate Mpeg1's molecular functions in SCI, suggesting that targeting Mpeg1, cuproptosis, and immune cell infiltration could reduce tissue damage and promote recovery, providing insights for future therapies.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

Mpeg1 is a potential therapeutic target for reducing spinal cord tissue damage.

Treatment Strategy

Targeting cuproptosis and immune cell infiltration, alongside Mpeg1, may enhance recovery after SCI.

Future Research

Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the involvement of Mpeg1 in SCI’s immune regulation is needed.

Study Limitations

1
The precise mechanisms underlying the involvement of Mpeg1 in SCI’s immune regulation necessitate extensive experimental validation.
2
The mouse samples obtained from GEO mostly belonged to early stage after SCI.
3
Further research can help uncover their precise roles and potential treatment strategies in spinal cord injury.

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