Microarray analysis of long non-coding RNA expression profiles in Marfan syndrome

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in cellular functions and diseases, but their expression in Marfan syndrome (MFS) remains uncharacterized.
• Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, with aortic complications being a major concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in Marfan syndrome (MFS) aortic tissues.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets underlying MFS pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Microarray analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in MFS and normal aorta tissues.
• Bioinformatics analyses for identifying candidate lncRNAs and their interactions with mRNAs.
• Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for validation.

Main Results:

• Identified 294 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 644 differentially expressed mRNAs between MFS and normal aorta tissues.
• Gene Ontology and pathway analyses revealed involvement in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and inflammatory responses.
• lncRNA-mRNA coexpression network analysis highlighted five key lncRNAs potentially regulating MFS pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in Marfan syndrome.
• Identified novel lncRNAs and mRNAs provide potential molecular targets for further investigation and therapeutic strategies for MFS.