Deep Sequencing Reveals the Significant Involvement of cAMP-Related Signaling Pathways Following Sciatic Nerve Crush

Peripheral nerve injury and regeneration is a complex biological process jointly mediated by numerous factors. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) modifies the cellular behaviors of neurons and Schwann cells, and thus may contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration. Despite the importance of cAMP, the temporal and spatial expressions of genes involved in cAMP-related signaling pathways during peripheral nerve regeneration remain unclear. In the current study, by using rat sciatic nerve crush model, we analyzed previously obtained RNA deep sequencing data, explored the significance of cAMP-mediated signaling pathway and protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway after peripheral nerve injury, and examined the expression patterns of genes involved in these cAMP-related signaling pathways. Our results, from the genetic aspect, emphasized the critical involvement of cAMP-related signaling pathways, identified the dynamic changes of some key signaling cascades, and may help the discovery of potential therapeutic targets for peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.