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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.01.30.578030

A spinal cord injury time and severity consensus transcriptomic reference suite in rat reveals translationally-relevant biomarker genes

Grillo-Risco, R.·Hidalgo, M. R.·Martinez-Rojas, B.·Moreno-Manzano, V.·Garcia-Garcia, F.
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Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that leads to motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Current therapeutic options remain limited, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying SCI-associated molecular mechanisms. This study characterized distinct SCI phases and severities at the gene and functional levels, focusing on biomarker gene identification. Our approach involved a systematic review, individual transcriptomic analysis, gene meta-analysis, and functional characterization. We compiled a total of fourteen studies with 273 samples, leading to the identification of severity-specific biomarker genes for injury prognosis (e.g., Srpx2, Hoxb8, Acap1, Snai1, and Aadat) and phase-specific genes for the precise classification of the injury profile (e.g., Il6, Fosl1, Cfp, C1qc, Cp). We investigated the potential transferability of severity-associated biomarkers and identified a twelve-gene signature that predicted injury prognosis from human blood samples. We also report the development of MetaSCI-app - an interactive web application designed for researchers - that allows the exploration and visualization of all generated results (https://metasci-cbl.shinyapps.io/metaSCI). Overall, we present a transcriptomic reference and provide a comprehensive framework for assessing SCI considering severity and time perspectives. TeaserA transcriptomic meta-analysis of spinal cord injury provides a consensus reference and biomarker genes for injury phase/severity.

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Grillo-Risco, R., Hidalgo, M. R., Martinez-Rojas, B., Moreno-Manzano, V., Garcia-Garcia, F.. 2024-01-30. A spinal cord injury time and severity consensus transcriptomic reference suite in rat reveals translationally-relevant biomarker genes. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.30.578030

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