The key genes encompass critical pathways such as autophagy (e.g. NFE2L2, DDIT3, NAMPT) (42, 43), apoptosis (e.g. CFLAR, FADD) and NF-κB signaling (e.g. RELA, TNFSF10) (44, 45), suggesting a multifactorial involvement of these pathways in stroke pathophysiology. This evidence concerns the gene RELA and stroke disorder.