RNA sequencing reveals circular RNA expression patterns in chronic intermittent hypoxia

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are crucial in biological processes, but their role in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-induced chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is unknown.
• Investigating circRNA expression patterns under CIH is essential for understanding OSA pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in response to CIH.
• To validate the diagnostic potential of DEcircRNAs in OSA patients.
• To explore the circRNA-miRNA regulatory network in CIH.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing was performed on CIH rat models and normoxic controls.
• Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified and filtered.
• Candidate circRNAs were validated in OSA patients and controls using qRT-PCR.
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) assessed diagnostic potential.
• miRanda software predicted target miRNAs, and Cytoscape visualized the regulatory network.

Main Results:

• 43 DEcircRNAs were identified, enriched in functions related to protein binding and cytoskeleton organization.
• Five out of eight validated circRNAs showed significant expression differences between CIH and control groups.
• These circRNAs exhibited distinct expression patterns, indicating potential for CIH diagnosis.
• A circRNA-miRNA regulatory network was established, highlighting mir-466b-3p's association with CIH.

Conclusions:

• This study characterizes circRNA expression profiles under CIH conditions.
• Several circRNAs with altered expression were identified, suggesting their involvement in CIH.
• These findings provide a basis for further research into circRNA function and potential as biomarkers in OSA and CIH.