Exploring the Research Focus of RNA-Binding Proteins in Trauma and Burns

Background: Trauma and burns are leading causes of death and significant global health concerns. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation, influencing various biological processes of cellular RNAs. This study aims to review the emerging trends and key areas of research on RBPs in the context of trauma and burns. Methods: A series of relevant articles were manually reviewed, and scientific publications on RBPs related to trauma and burns were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) on May 19, 2024. Bibliometric analysis was performed using R-bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct the meta-analysis, followed by a comprehensive review of the selected papers. Results: A total of 539 publications were identified from 2000 to 2024. China was the most productive and collaborative country, with Zhang Y being the most prolific author and PLoS One being the leading publication source. Keyword analysis revealed four distinct clusters. The thematic analysis identified eight key topics, including "RNA-binding proteins," "traumatic brain injury," and "inflammation." Four studies involving 5.976 patients were included in the final meta-analysis, which indicated a correlation between RBP expression levels and poor prognosis in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable insights into the developing trends and key areas of research on RBPs in trauma and burns. Notably, we identified two primary hotspots: RBPs in the pathophysiological mechanisms of various traumatic injuries and RBPs in the processes of cutaneous wound healing. This rapidly evolving field offers significant reference points for scientific researchers and clinical practitioners.