Promoting Axonal Extension and Repair After Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting the Expression of Rho Gene Based on RNA Interference

Abstract

Spinal cord injury causes central nervous system damage. Rho inhibits axonal regeneration. This study is intended to analyze the effect of inhibition of Rho expression on axonal repair. The oligodendrocytes were isolated and divided into NC group and shRNA-RhoA group followed by analysis of the average length of axon growth and average microtubule fluorescence density by immunofluorescence, Nogo, MAG and RhoA expression were by Real time PCR. Wistar rats were separated into control group; SCI group and shRNA-RhoA group followed by analysis of the BBB scores and the Reuter score of sensory function, RhoA expression by Real time PCR and Western blot, Caspase3 activity as well as Nogo and MAG expression by Real time PCR. Compared with NC group, shRNA-RhoA group showed significantly increased average length of axon growth and average microtubule fluorescence density at the distal axon and reduced expression of RhoA, Nogo and MAG (P < 0 05). In comparison to control group, SCI group presented significantly increased RhoA expression, decreased BBB score, increased Reuter score and Caspase3 activity as well as elevated Nogo and MAG expression (P < 0 05). The shRNA-RhoA group significantly decreased RhoA expression, increased BBB score, decreased Reuter score and Caspase3 activity, and reduced Nogo and MAG expression compared with SCI group (P < 0 05). Inhibiting RhoA expression can promote axon extension and regenerative repair. Targeting RhoA reduces axon growth inhibitory factor expression, inhibits apoptosis and effectively alleviates SCI.