A study analyzing differentially expressed genes in spinal stenosis has been published by researchers at Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine.

A study analyzing differentially expressed genes in spinal stenosis has been published by researchers at Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine.

The research elucidates the pathological mechanisms underlying spinal stenosis and identifies potential therapeutic target genes through genetic analysis. Notably, the study revealed the overexpression of genes contributing to impaired neural regeneration and the stiffening of spinal tissues in spinal stenosis, alongside a reduction in the expression of genes involved in cellular energy metabolism and digestive function.

The findings, led by Dr. Hong Jin-young from the Spine and Joint Research Institute at Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine (Director: Ha In-hyuk), have been published in the SCI(E)-indexed international journal, *Biomedicines* (IF=3.9), as of November 2nd. The study aims to explore new therapeutic strategies for spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis, a prevalent degenerative spinal condition, is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses surrounding nerves, leading to pain and inflammation. The condition affects approximately 1.8 million individuals annually in South Korea, predominantly impacting middle-aged and elderly populations. Current treatments primarily focus on pain relief and inflammation reduction, with no established therapies addressing the fundamental causes of the disease.

To address this gap, the research team investigated the pathological mechanisms of spinal stenosis and explored novel therapeutic strategies by analyzing gene expression changes in a rat model. Spinal cords were harvested from rats with induced spinal stenosis, and RNA sequencing was performed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS is a technique used to precisely analyze gene expression changes in specific diseases, while RNA sequencing analyzes RNA molecules in cells or tissues to determine gene expression levels.

The researchers identified 1203 genes specifically expressed in the normal control group and 749 genes specifically expressed in the spinal stenosis-induced group, out of a total of 30,560 genes. In addition, they discovered 21,547 genes commonly expressed in both groups and 7061 genes that were not expressed.

Based on this genetic data, the researchers analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that exhibited significantly increased or decreased expression in spinal stenosis. DEGs, defined as genes with significantly altered expression levels under specific conditions or environments, were used to investigate the biological impact of spinal stenosis.

The results indicated a decrease in the activity of genes crucial for nerve regeneration and protein synthesis in rats with induced spinal stenosis, leading to impaired nerve regeneration and alterations in the gene regulatory systems maintaining the stability of the cellular cytoskeleton. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in cellular structure and function changes was elevated, potentially inducing the expression of smooth muscle contraction fibers, which line blood vessels. This may impede blood circulation and stiffen spinal tissues.

Among 113 DEGs, Slc47a1, involved in toxin excretion, and Prg4, which aids joint lubrication, were significantly increased in spinal stenosis rats. Conversely, the expression of Higd1c, related to cellular energy metabolism, and Mln, which regulates gastrointestinal motility, was reduced. These findings suggest that spinal stenosis may induce biological responses aimed at increasing toxin removal and reducing friction in the spine, while simultaneously affecting cellular energy metabolism and gastrointestinal function.

Notably, the research team's observation of increased expression of Prg4 and Acta2, a gene involved in muscle contraction and cell adhesion, suggests that these genes play a critical role in maintaining cellular cytoskeleton stability and extracellular matrix composition, as well as being crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying spinal stenosis.

Dr. Hong Jin-young of the Spine and Joint Research Institute at Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine stated, "This study is expected to provide significant evidence for future research on treatment methods and mechanisms by elucidating the gene functions and molecular pathways associated with spinal stenosis. We will continue to expand RNA sequencing-based research and dedicate efforts not only to spinal stenosis but also to other spinal and joint diseases."