LncRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA network analysis in spinal cord injury rat with physical exercise therapy

PeerJ, 2022 · DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13783 · Published: July 29, 2022

Simple Explanation

This research investigates the impact of exercise therapy on gene expression in rats with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It focuses on how long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA levels change with exercise. The study uses RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed RNAs between SCI rats and those undergoing exercise therapy, then constructs a ceRNA network to understand regulatory mechanisms. The goal is to find new targets for exercise treatment of SCI by identifying ceRNA interaction axes, which are crucial in regulating gene expression related to spinal cord injury and recovery.

Study Duration

2 weeks

Participants

Adult female Sprague Dawley rats (220–250 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study identified 76 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), 33 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and 30 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SCI rats and exercise therapy rats.
2
Exercise therapy suppresses the post-SCI inflammatory response, as evidenced by reduced mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β).
3
The ceRNA network analysis revealed potential regulatory roles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, particularly those involved in endosome-related signaling pathways, in the context of SCI and exercise therapy.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of exercise therapy on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats by analyzing the expression of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs using RNA-seq technology. The research identifies differentially expressed genes and constructs a ceRNA network to understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of exercise on SCI. The findings suggest that exercise-induced alterations in gene expression, particularly those involving Slc9a6, Sdc4, and Stx7, promote efficient signaling and neuronal plasticity in the spinal cord, contributing to improved recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Exercise therapy may offer a protective effect against spinal cord injury by modulating gene expression and reducing inflammation.

Drug target discovery

The identified ceRNA interaction axes and key genes (Slc9a6, Sdc4, Stx7) could serve as potential therapeutic targets for SCI treatment.

Personalized treatment strategies

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced recovery could lead to personalized exercise interventions tailored to individual SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to a rat model of SCI, and the findings may not be directly translatable to humans.
2
The study focuses on a specific time point (two weeks post-SCI), and the long-term effects of exercise therapy on gene expression and functional recovery are not investigated.
3
The ceRNA network is based on computational predictions and requires further experimental validation to confirm the interactions and regulatory roles of the identified lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs.

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