Genome-Wide Screen and Validation of Microglia Pro- Inflammatory Mediators in Stroke

Stroke activates microglia pro-inflammatory response that not only induces the earl) neuronal injuries but also causes the secondary brain infarction. Yet, the underlying mechanisms for how microglia become activated in stroke are still unknown. Here, using the next-generation of RNA sequencing we find a total of 778 genes increasingly expressed in brain of stroke mice. Of these, we identified Hmgb2 as a microglia proinflammatory mediator by promoting the transcription of Ctss. Inhibition of either Hmgb2 or Ctss blocks microglia pro-inflammatory response and protects against brain damages and improves the neurological functions of stroke mice. This study uncovers Hmgb2 and Ctss as the major microglia inflammatory response mediators in stroke and hence warrants the promising targets for stroke therapies.

Automated summary

Our study identifies Hmgb2 and Ctss as major mediators of microglial inflammatory response in stroke, inhibition of which can protect against brain damage and improve neurological functions in stroke mice. These findings suggest Hmgb2 and Ctss as promising targets for stroke therapies.