Whole transcriptome sequencing and ceRNA regulatory network in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genomics
• Immunology

Background:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a significant diabetes complication with unclear molecular underpinnings.
• Understanding DPN pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms of DPN using whole transcriptome sequencing.
• To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key regulatory pathways in DPN.

Main Methods:

• Whole transcriptome sequencing of rat sciatic nerve samples.
• Identification and enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• Construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks.

Main Results:

• 597 DEGs were identified between DPN and control groups.
• Key hub genes (e.g., Fos, Jun) and enriched pathways (e.g., B cell receptor, TNF, IL-17 signaling) were determined.
• A ceRNA network comprising mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs was constructed.

Conclusions:

• Hub genes like Fos and Jun may drive DPN progression via specific signaling pathways.
• This research offers novel insights into the role of DEGs in DPN pathogenesis.
• Findings could inform future therapeutic interventions for DPN.