Integrative transcriptomic profiling of ncRNAs and mRNAs in developing mouse lens

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play crucial roles in biological processes.
• The specific functions of lncRNAs and circRNAs in lens development are not well understood.
• Understanding these roles is vital for addressing lens-related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze the expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs during mouse lens development.
• To identify key regulatory molecules involved in lens development and related disorders.
• To construct gene regulatory networks for lens development.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing was performed on mouse lenses at multiple embryonic and postnatal developmental stages.
• Differential expression analysis was conducted for mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs.
• Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was used to identify associated biological functions.
• Network analyses (protein-protein interaction, mRNA-lncRNA co-expression, circRNA-microRNA-mRNA) were employed to predict key molecules.

Main Results:

• Identified differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs across lens developmental stages.
• Found significant numbers of co-differentially expressed transcripts, including 1831 mRNAs, 150 lncRNAs, and 13 circRNAs during embryonic development.
• Gene Ontology analysis linked DE transcripts to lens development, DNA conformation, and angiogenesis.
• Predicted candidate key molecules through various network analyses.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs and circRNAs are critical regulators of lens development.
• This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying lens development and pathogenesis.
• The identified transcripts and networks serve as a foundation for future research into lens disorders.