EXPRESS: 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. 25 drugs were predicted to target FOS and 4 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.