Integrated analyses reveal evolutionarily conserved and specific injury response genes in dorsal root ganglion

Sci Data. 2022 Nov 2;9(1):666. doi: 10.1038/s41597-022-01783-8.

Abstract

Rodent dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is widely used for studying axonal injury. Extensive studies have explored genome-wide profiles on rodent DRGs under peripheral nerve insults. However, systematic integration and exploration of these data still be limited. Herein, we re-analyzed 21 RNA-seq datasets and presented a web-based resource (DRGProfile). We identified 53 evolutionarily conserved injury response genes, including well-known injury genes (Atf3, Npy and Gal) and less-studied transcriptional factors (Arid5a, Csrnp1, Zfp367). Notably, we identified species-preference injury response candidates (e.g. Gpr151, Lipn, Anxa10 in mice; Crisp3, Csrp3, Vip, Hamp in rats). Temporal profile analysis reveals expression patterns of genes related to pre-regenerative and regenerating states. Finally, we found a large sex difference in response to sciatic nerve injury, and identified four male-specific markers (Uty, Eif2s3y, Kdm5d, Ddx3y) expressed in DRG. Our study provides a comprehensive integrated landscape for expression change in DRG upon injury which will greatly contribute to the neuroscience community.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Spinal* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Sciatic Nerve* / injuries
  • Sciatic Nerve* / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Arid5a protein, mouse
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors