The long noncoding RNA expression profiles of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation identified by microarray analysis

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in various biological processes and diseases.
• Emerging evidence links lncRNAs to cardiac disorders, but their specific roles in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in patients with PAF.
• To predict the potential functions of these identified lncRNAs in the context of PAF.

Main Methods:

• Microarray analysis of lncRNA profiles in leukocytes from 67 participants (34 PAF patients, 33 controls).
• Validation of selected lncRNAs using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in a separate cohort.
• Bioinformatic analyses including gene ontology and pathway analysis.

Main Results:

• Over 2000 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between PAF patients and controls.
• ENST00000559960 (upregulated) and uc004aef.3 (downregulated) were independently associated with PAF.
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated these two lncRNAs are modest predictors of PAF.

Conclusions:

• lncRNA expression profiles are altered in the leukocytes of individuals with PAF.
• The lncRNAs ENST00000559960 and uc004aef.3 show potential as predictive biomarkers for PAF.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the functional roles of these lncRNAs in PAF pathogenesis.