This study aimed to explore the detailed molecular mechanism and biomarkers in spinal cord injury (SCI). Gene expression profiles of GSE125630 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and comprised 14 spinal cord tissues, including contusion SCI group (n = 6, unexercised), complete transection group (n = 4, unexercised), and uninjured control group (n = 4, unexercised). Differentially expressed gene (DEG) and time-series gene investigations, functional enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, characteristic gene-related disease analysis, and TF-target gene interaction studies were performed. A total of 122 DEGs and 409 DEGs were respectively identified in contusion SCI versus control group and complete transection versus control group, respectively. The PPI network investigated 16 characteristic genes including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and neurotensin (NTS). These genes were mainly enriched in functions involving response to ethanol, corticosterone, and estradiol. Eventually, a TF-target gene interaction network was constructed with nine TFs [including activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3)] and 10 characteristic genes. The results indicate that regulation of osteoblast differentiation and positive regulation of the BMP signaling pathway may be suppressed in the process of SCI. TH may play a pivotal role in the progression of SCI. In addition, DEGs such as CRH and NTS may be novel targets for SCI therapy.

中文翻译：

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基于生物信息学分析的脊髓损伤的潜在分子机制和生物标志物研究。

这项研究旨在探讨脊髓损伤（SCI）的详细分子机制和生物标志物。GSE125630的基因表达谱可从基因表达综合（GEO）数据库下载，包含14个脊髓组织，包括挫伤性SCI组（n  = 6，未锻炼），完全横断组（n  = 4，未锻炼）和未损伤的对照组（ñ = 4，未经锻炼）。进行了差异表达基因（DEG）和时间序列基因研究，功能富集分析，蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用（PPI）网络构建，特征性基因相关疾病分析和TF-靶标基因相互作用研究。挫伤性脊髓损伤与对照组，完全横断与对照组分别分别鉴定出122个和409个DEG。PPI网络调查了16个特征基因，包括促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素（CRH），酪氨酸羟化酶（TH）和神经降压素（NTS）。这些基因主要富含涉及乙醇，皮质酮和雌二醇的功能。最终，用9个TF [包括激活转录因子3（ATF3）]和10个特征基因构建了TF-靶基因相互作用网络。结果表明在SCI过程中可能抑制成骨细胞分化的调控和BMP信号通路的正调控。TH可能在SCI的进展中起关键作用。另外，诸如CRH和NTS的DEG可能是SCI治疗的新靶标。