Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveals specific modules and hub genes related to neuropathic pain in dorsal root ganglions

Neuropathic pain is a common, debilitating clinical issue. Here, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the specific modules and hub genes that are related to neuropathic pain. The microarray dataset of a neuropathic rat model induced by tibial nerve transection (TNT), including dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues from TNT model (n=7) and sham (n=8) rats, was downloaded from the ArrayExpress database (E-MTAB-2260). The co-expression network modules were identified by the WGCNA package. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the node with highest level of connectivity in the network were identified as the hub gene. A total of 1739 genes and seven modules were identified. The most significant module was the brown module, which contained 215 genes that were primarily associated with the biological process (BP) of the defense response and molecular function of calcium ion binding. Furthermore, C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2), Fos and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) which were identified as the hub genes in the PPI network and two subnetworks separately. The in vivo studies validated that mRNA and protein levels of Ccl2, Fos and Timp1 were up-regulated in DRG and spinal cord tissues after TNT. The present study offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain in the context of peripheral nerve injury.