Microarray analysis of long noncoding RNA expression patterns in diabetic nephropathy

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in various biological processes and human diseases. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We explored the potential functions of lncRNAs in DN.

We established a mouse model of DN and compared lncRNA expression patterns between DN model and db/m control mouse kidney tissues using microarray analysis. lncRNA function was predicted by gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses of lncRNAs-coexpressed mRNAs. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR was used for validation. Cis- and trans-regulation analyses were conducted to reveal potential relationships between lncRNAs and their target genes.

In DN, 311 lncRNAs were dysregulated. LncRNA-coexpressed mRNAs were mainly targeted to golgi apparatus (ontology: cellular component), catalytic activity (ontology: molecular function), and mitotic nuclear division (ontology: biological process), and were mostly enriched in glutathione metabolism signaling. One hundred forty-seven lncRNAs were regarded as cis-regulatory. Several groups of lncRNAs may participate in biological pathways related to DN via trans-regulation of protein-coding genes.

Hundreds of lncRNAs are dysregulated in DN. These lncRNAs might be involved in the pathogenesis of DN by modulating multiple molecular pathways. Our findings provide potential candidate biomarkers for predicting or diagnosing DN.