Identification of transcriptomic signatures associated with cortical thinning in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Motivation: Determining the potential transcriptomic signatures driving cortical thinning in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Goal(s): To compare the cortical atrophy patterns and the underlying molecular mechanisms between NMOSD and MS. Approach: A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was used to associate the CTh alteration profile with the expression of genes from the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) database, then Metascape analysis was performed to identify the functional biological processes. Results: Distinct cortical atrophy patterns and underlying cell signaling pathways were observed in NMOSD and MS. Impact: The distinct cortical atrophy patterns will help in differential diagnosis of NOMOSD and MS. The identified genes and signaling pathways will help understand the pathological mechanism of both diseases and provide potential therapeutic targets.