Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Rup (RNA-seq Usability Assessment Pipeline) - Quality Control for Bulk RNA-seq Experiments in Eukaryotes
Published on: November 7, 2025
RNA-Seq data on prefrontal cortex in valproic acid model of autism and control rats
Zhaoqiang Qian1, Ruoxin Zhang1,2, Jinlong Zhou2
1Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710062, China.
Insights
Valproic acid exposure in pregnant rats models autism, altering gene expression in male offsprings' prefrontal cortex. This RNA-sequencing data reveals key transcriptional and splicing changes relevant to autism research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Valproic acid (VPA) exposure during pregnancy is a known risk factor for ASD.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying VPA-induced autism models is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present transcriptome sequencing data from a valproic acid (VPA) induced rat model of autism.
- To investigate transcriptional and splicing alterations in the prefrontal cortex of affected male offspring.
Main Methods:
- A single intraperitoneal injection of sodium valproic acid (600 mg/kg) was administered to female rats at day 12.5 post-conception.
- Control rats received saline injection.
- Male offspring were sacrificed at postnatal day 35, and prefrontal cortex RNA was isolated for RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq).
Main Results:
- Transcriptome sequencing data provides a comprehensive view of gene expression changes.
- The data highlights dysregulation in both transcriptional and splicing events within the prefrontal cortex.
- Specific molecular pathways affected by VPA exposure are identified.
Conclusions:
- The VPA-induced rat model exhibits significant transcriptional and splicing abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular basis of VPA-associated neurodevelopmental alterations.
- The presented data serves as a valuable resource for autism research.
Abstract:
The transcriptome sequencing data of valproic acid (VPA) model of autism and control rats are presented. VPA model of autism was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg sodium valproic acid to female rats at day 12.5 post-conception, and the control rats were injected with saline. Male offspring of VPA- or saline-injected dams from different litters were sacrificed on PND 35 (n = three rats/three litters/group). Prefrontal cortex was dissected from both hemispheres, and RNA was isolated. Libraries were prepared and RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed following Illumina's recommendations. Samples are described in the SRA portal (SRP115258) and FASTQ files have been deposited in Sequence Read Archive (accession numbers: SRR5950172 to SRR5950177). The interpretation of these data is presented in the following research article: "Transcriptional and splicing dysregulation in prefrontal cortex of valproic acid induced rat models of autism" (Zhang et al., 2018) [1].
Related Concept Videos
RNA-seq
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while...
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
Nucleic acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...

