Identify the critical protein-coding genes and long noncoding RNAs in cardiac myxoma

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac myxoma (CM) is the most frequent benign cardiac tumor, often sporadic.
• Protein-coding genes (PCGs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in cancer pathology.
• The roles and regulatory mechanisms of RNA interactions in CM remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of RNA interactions in cardiac myxoma.
• To identify differentially expressed PCGs and lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for CM.
• To elucidate the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in CM pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• High-throughput sequencing of three surgically excised cardiac myxoma samples.
• Construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) and lncRNA-mRNA coexpression networks.
• Integration of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions to identify dysregulated ceRNA networks.
• Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) validation of pathway imbalances.

Main Results:

• A set of differentially expressed PCGs and lncRNAs were identified as potential CM markers.
• A CM-related hub lncRNA-mRNA module was discovered, enriched in MAPK and TGF-beta pathways.
• A specific dysregulated ceRNA network in CM was identified through integrated lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions.
• Imbalances in MAPK and TGF-beta signaling pathways were validated.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates RNA interaction mechanisms in cardiac myxoma.
• Novel PCGs and lncRNAs have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for CM.
• Understanding these molecular interactions can advance CM treatment strategies.