Transcriptome Sequencing of Optic Nerve in a Rat Model of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder-Related Optic Neuritis (NMOSD-ON)

This study established a rat model of NMOSD-ON by injecting patient-derived AQP4+ serum into the optic nerve sheath of rats. Optic nerve tissues were collected at 24 hours and 7 days post-modeling, along with a blank control group, for transcriptome sequencing. The aim was to explore gene expression changes during the early and peak phases of NMOSD-ON pathogenesis, thereby identifying potential disease mechanisms. Overall design: Experimental design: The study included three groups: (1) healthy control group, (2) NMOSD-ON model group at 24 hours post-induction, and (3) NMOSD-ON model group at 7 days post-induction. Each group consisted of three biological replicates, totaling nine samples. The NMOSD-ON model was induced by injection of AQP4+ serum into the optic nerve sheath. Optic nerve tissues were collected for RNA-Seq analysis to compare gene expression profiles between the groups.