Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Rats with LPS-induced Myocardial Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiology
• Genomics

Background:

• Sepsis is a dangerous systemic inflammatory response.
• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to sepsis development.
• The specific roles of lncRNAs in sepsis-induced heart dysfunction remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.
• To identify key lncRNAs and their interactions in the context of sepsis-related heart problems.

Main Methods:

• Microarray analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles.
• Bioinformatic analyses including Gene Ontology, KEGG pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction networks.
• Construction of coexpression and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks.
• Validation using a lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis rat model and RT-qPCR.

Main Results:

• Identified 387 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 1,952 differentially expressed mRNAs in the left ventricle of septic rats.
• KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of upregulated genes in "complement and coagulation cascade" and "immune-related biological processes".
• Generated a ceRNA network, identifying eight lncRNAs associated with "calcium ion binding" processes potentially involved in myocardial dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Crosstalk between lncRNAs and mRNAs plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.
• Identified specific lncRNAs that may serve as novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets for sepsis-related heart complications.