The Investigation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Exosome in Human Spinal Cord Injury

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is in direct contact with the central nervous system and provides a valuable source for detecting molecular changes after SCI. Although exosomal microRNAs and proteins are increasingly recognized as mediators of intercellular communication, the role of human CSF exosomes in SCI has not been systematically investigated.

To identify exosome-based biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, we analyzed CSF and serum exosomes from patients with acute SCI using RNA sequencing and proteomic profiling. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified six gene modules significantly associated with injury severity and neurological recovery at three months. Proteomic analysis revealed a five-protein panel that distinguished complete from incomplete SCI and a four-protein panel that predicted neurological improvement.