Open Access

Identification of pivotal genes and pathways for spinal cord injury via bioinformatics analysis

  • Authors:
    • Zonghao Zhu
    • Qiang Shen
    • Liang Zhu
    • Xiaokang Wei
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: July 21, 2017     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.7060
  • Pages: 3929-3937
  • Copyright: © Zhu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

The present study aimed to identify key genes and pathways associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and subsequently investigate possible therapeutic targets for the condition. The array data of GSE20907 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and 24 gene chips, including 3‑day, 4‑day, 1‑week, 2‑week and 1‑month post‑SCI together with control propriospinal neurons, were used for the analysis. The raw data was normalized and then the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the (A) 2‑week post‑SCI group vs. control group, (B) 1‑month post‑SCI group vs. control group, (C) 1‑month and 2‑week post‑SCI group vs. control group, and (D) all post‑SCI groups vs. all control groups, were analyzed with a limma package. Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses for DEGs were performed. Cluster analysis was performed using ClusterOne plugins. All the DEGs identified were associated with immune and inflammatory responses. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), erb‑B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4) and cytochrome B‑245, α polypeptide (CYBA) were in the network diagrams of (A), (C) and (D), respectively. The enrichment analysis of DEGs identified in all samples demonstrated that the DEGs were also enriched in the chemokine signaling pathway (enriched in STAT3) and the high‑affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI) signaling pathway [enriched in proto‑oncogene, src family tyrosine kinase (LYN)]. Immune and inflammatory responses serve significant roles in SCI. STAT3, ERBB4 and CYBA may be key genes associated with SCI at certain stages. Furthermore, STAT3 and LYN may be involved in the development of SCI via the chemokine and FcεRI signaling pathways, respectively.

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October-2017
Volume 16 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Spandidos Publications style
Zhu Z, Shen Q, Zhu L and Wei X: Identification of pivotal genes and pathways for spinal cord injury via bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 16: 3929-3937, 2017
APA
Zhu, Z., Shen, Q., Zhu, L., & Wei, X. (2017). Identification of pivotal genes and pathways for spinal cord injury via bioinformatics analysis. Molecular Medicine Reports, 16, 3929-3937. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.7060
MLA
Zhu, Z., Shen, Q., Zhu, L., Wei, X."Identification of pivotal genes and pathways for spinal cord injury via bioinformatics analysis". Molecular Medicine Reports 16.4 (2017): 3929-3937.
Chicago
Zhu, Z., Shen, Q., Zhu, L., Wei, X."Identification of pivotal genes and pathways for spinal cord injury via bioinformatics analysis". Molecular Medicine Reports 16, no. 4 (2017): 3929-3937. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.7060