Transcriptome profiling and experimental validation identify FOS, RAC2, and TYROBP as potential biomarkers for Fu's subcutaneous needling in neuropathic pain treatment.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore potential biomarkers and mechanisms underlying in the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) with Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), employing a transcriptomics approach.

METHODS

In this study, RNA sequencing was performed in a rat model of chronic constriction injury treated with FSN and acupuncture methods. The FSN-related genes in the treatment of NP with FSN were obtained by overlapping the results of differential expression analysis. Potential biomarkers were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and machine learning. In addition, potential biomarkers were analyzed for functional enrichment, molecular regulatory networks, and drug prediction. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to validate the expression levels of the biomarkers.

RESULTS

FOS, RAC2, and TYROBP were identified as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, mo-miR-92a-2-5p was predicted to co-target RAC2 and TYROBP. Twenty-five drugs were predicted to target FOS and four drugs were predicted to target RAC2 were also identified. FSN treatment enhanced and attenuated the expression of RAC2, TYROBP, and FOS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this study, FOS, RAC2, and TYROBP were identified as potential biomarkers in the treatment of NP with FSN, providing a potential theoretical basis for NP treatment.