mRNA sequencing provides new insights into the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease in mice.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to use RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR to identify the main susceptibility genes linked to the occurrence and development of Hirschsprung disease in the colonic tissues of EDNRB and wild mice.

Methods: RNA was extracted from colon tissues of 3 mutant homozygous mice and 3 wild mice. RNA degradation, contamination concentration, and integrity were then measured. The extracted RNA was then sequenced using the Illumina platform. The obtained sequence data are filtered to ensure data quality and compared to the reference genome for further analysis. DESeq2 was used for gene expression analysis of the raw data. In addition, graphene oxide enrichment analysis and RT-qPCR validation were also performed.

Results: This study identified 8354 differentially expressed genes in EDNRB and wild mouse colon tissues by RNA sequencing, including 4346 upregulated genes and 4005 downregulated genes. Correspondingly, the results of RT-qPCR analysis showed good correlation with the transcriptome data. In addition, GO and KEGG enrichment results suggested that there were 8103 terms and 320 pathways in all DEGs. When P < 0.05, 1081 GO terms and 320 KEGG pathways reached a significant level. Finally, through the existing studies and the enrichment results of differentially expressed genes, it was determined that axon guidance and the focal adhesion pathway may be closely related to the occurrence of HSCR.

Conclusions: This study analyzed and identified the differential genes in colonic tissues between EDNRB mice and wild mice, which provided new insight for further mining the potential pathogenic genes of Hirschsprung's disease.