背景:神经元的缺氧缺血性损伤是在几种神经系统疾病中观察到的病理过程,包括缺血性卒中和新生儿缺氧缺血性脑损伤(HIBI)。这些病症的最佳治疗策略仍然难以捉摸。本研究深入研究了损伤过程中发生的分子改变,以确定潜在的治疗靶标。
方法:氧糖剥夺/再灌注(OGD/R)作为模拟HIBI的体外模型。这项研究利用RNA测序来分析OGD0.5或2小时的大鼠原代海马神经元,然后再灌注0、9或18小时。进行差异表达分析以鉴定在OGD/R期间失调的基因。时间序列分析用于鉴定随时间表现出相似表达模式的基因。此外,进行功能富集分析以探索其生物学功能,并进行蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(PPI)网络分析以鉴定hub基因。定量实时聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)用于验证hub基因表达。
结果:本研究共包括24个样本。分析揭示了OGD/R过程后不同的转录组改变,有明显的基因失调,如Txnip,Btg2、Egr1和Egr2。在OGD过程中,76个基因,在两个确定的集群中,显示一致的表达增加;功能分析显示炎症反应和信号通路如肿瘤坏死因子(TNF),核因子κ-活化B细胞的轻链增强子(NF-κB),和白细胞介素17(IL-17)。PPI网络分析表明,Ccl2,Jun,Cxcl1,Ptprc,和Atf3是潜在的hub基因。在再灌注过程中,274个基因,在三个集群中,显示最初的上调,然后是下调;功能分析表明与凋亡过程和神经元死亡调节有关。PPI网络分析确定Esr1,Igf-1,Edn1,Hmox1,Serpine1和Spp1为关键枢纽基因。qRT-PCR验证了这些趋势。
结论:本研究提供了体外OGD/R过程的全面转录组概况。确定了关键的枢纽基因和途径,为缺氧缺血后的神经保护提供潜在靶点。
BACKGROUND: Hypoxic-ischemic injury of neurons is a pathological process observed in several neurological conditions, including ischemic stroke and neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). An optimal treatment strategy for these conditions remains elusive. The present study delved deeper into the molecular alterations occurring during the injury process in order to identify potential therapeutic targets.
METHODS: Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) serves as an established in vitro model for the simulation of HIBI. This study utilized RNA sequencing to analyze rat primary hippocampal neurons that were subjected to either 0.5 or 2 h of OGD, followed by 0, 9, or 18 h of reperfusion. Differential expression analysis was conducted to identify genes dysregulated during OGD/R. Time-series analysis was used to identify genes exhibiting similar expression patterns over time. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis was conducted to explore their biological functions, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed to identify hub genes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for validation of hub-gene expression.
RESULTS: The study included a total of 24 samples. Analysis revealed distinct transcriptomic alterations after OGD/R processes, with significant dysregulation of genes such as Txnip, Btg2, Egr1 and Egr2. In the OGD process, 76 genes, in two identified clusters, showed a consistent increase in expression; functional analysis showed involvement of inflammatory responses and signaling pathways like tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and interleukin 17 (IL-17). PPI network analysis suggested that Ccl2, Jun, Cxcl1, Ptprc, and Atf3 were potential hub genes. In the reperfusion process, 274 genes, in three clusters, showed initial upregulation followed by downregulation; functional analysis suggested association with apoptotic processes and neuronal death regulation. PPI network analysis identified Esr1, Igf-1, Edn1, Hmox1, Serpine1, and Spp1 as key hub genes. qRT-PCR validated these trends.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of an in vitro OGD/R process. Key hub genes and pathways were identified, offering potential targets for neuroprotection after hypoxic ischemia.