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Published on: November 30, 2016
Characterization of Circular RNA Expression Profiles in Colon Specimens of Patients with Slow Transit Constipation
Changlei Xi1,2, Yuntian Hong1,3,4,5,6, Baoxiang Chen1,3,4,5,6
1Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
Background:
Slow transit constipation (STC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decreased urge to defecate and delayed colonic transit. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered class of regulatory RNAs that have emerged as critical biomarkers and regulators of various diseases. However, the expression profiles and mechanisms underlying circRNA regulation in human STC tissues have not been explored.
Methods:
High-throughput RNA sequencing technology was used to compare the differences in circRNA expression profiles in colon samples taken from patients with STC or controls. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on the host genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs), a competing endogenous RNA network was constructed, and the expression levels of some DE-circRNAs were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR).
Results:
There were 190 DE-circRNAs identified in the STC group. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the DE-circRNAs were enriched in the relaxation of smooth muscle, actin binding, actin cytoskeleton organization, dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiac muscle contraction. These results suggest that muscle diseases may be related to the pathogenesis of STC. The expression levels of the 12 most differentially expressed circRNAs were verified using qRT-PCR. In addition, circRNA-microRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were constructed using the 8 most significant circRNAs. Some mRNAs predicted to be closely related to smooth muscle function were found in these networks.
Conclusions:
This study provides a helpful blueprint for researchers to select candidate circRNAs for further study of the pathogenesis of STC and screen potential biomarkers or targets for use in the diagnosis and treatment of STC.
Insights
This study identified 190 differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) in slow transit constipation (STC) patients, suggesting a link between muscle-related pathways and STC pathogenesis. These findings offer potential biomarkers for STC diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Slow transit constipation (STC) is a condition of delayed colonic transit and reduced defecation urge.
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as key regulators and biomarkers in various diseases.
- The role of circRNAs in human STC tissues remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circRNA expression profiles in human STC colon tissues.
- To identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) and their potential roles in STC pathogenesis.
- To construct circRNA-microRNA-mRNA regulatory networks for STC.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput RNA sequencing was employed to compare circRNA expression between STC patients and controls.
- Bioinformatics analyses were conducted on DE-circRNAs and their host genes.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate DE-circRNA expression levels.
Main Results:
- 190 DE-circRNAs were identified in STC colon samples.
- Bioinformatics analysis indicated enrichment in muscle-related pathways, suggesting a link between muscle diseases and STC.
- circRNA-microRNA-mRNA networks revealed potential regulatory mechanisms involving smooth muscle function.
Conclusions:
- This study presents a comprehensive circRNA expression profile in STC.
- Identified DE-circRNAs serve as potential candidates for further research into STC pathogenesis.
- The findings provide a foundation for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for STC.
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