PMID-24661604 – Semax Genome-Wide Transcriptional Analysis in Focal Ischemia
Medvedeva EV et al., "Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia," BMC Genomics, 2014;15:228. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-228
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 24661604 |
| DOI | 10.1186/1471-2164-15-228 |
| Year | 2014 |
| Journal | BMC Genomics |
| Study Type | Animal in vivo (transcriptomic) |
| Evidence Level | V |
| Sample | Rat pMCAO stroke model, genome-wide microarray profiling |
| Peptide(s) Studied | Semax |
Key Findings
- Genome-wide transcriptional profiling revealed that Semax primarily upregulated immune-related genes, with over 50% of differentially expressed genes at 24 hours post-ischemia belonging to immune and inflammatory pathways.
- Vascular-related genes were also significantly modulated: 24 vascular genes were upregulated at 3 hours and 12 at 24 hours post-treatment in ischemic brain tissue.
- Immunomodulation and vascular regulation were identified as the two principal neuroprotective mechanisms of Semax in the ischemic brain, extending beyond the previously known neurotrophin pathway.
Study Design
Rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Semax was administered intranasally, and ischemic cortex tissue was harvested at 3 and 24 hours post-occlusion. Genome-wide expression profiling was performed using Illumina microarrays, with bioinformatic analysis categorizing differentially expressed genes by functional pathway (immune, vascular, neurotrophin, apoptosis).
Limitations
- Microarray-based approach identifies transcriptional changes but does not confirm protein-level effects or functional outcomes.
- Permanent occlusion model only; results may differ in transient ischemia or reperfusion scenarios.
Clinical Relevance
This transcriptomic study broadens the mechanistic understanding of Semax beyond neurotrophins to include immunomodulatory and vascular protective pathways, supporting its potential as a multi-target neuroprotective agent in ischemic stroke.
Related
#research #animal-in-vivo #evidence-level-V