Peripheral NORAD lncRNA and MARCKS mRNA expression in suicidal adolescents: a case-control study

Suicidal behavior encompasses thoughts or actions that may result in one's own death or injury and represents a major public health concern. However, the neurobiological and molecular mechanisms underlying suicide remain poorly understood. This study aimed to compare MARCKS mRNA-protein and NORAD lncRNA levels between adolescents with suicidal ideation and healthy controls.

The study included 45 adolescents (aged 12-17) with suicidal thoughts/plans and 45 healthy controls. All participants completed standardized assessments following a semi-structured interview. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for gene expression.NORAD lncRNA (p = 0.001), MARCKS mRNA (p = 0.001), and MARCKS protein (p = 0.002) levels were significantly lower in the suicide group. A strong positive correlation was observed between NORAD lncRNA and MARCKS mRNA in the case group (r = 0.743; p < 0.001), and MARCKS mRNA was a significant predictor of NORAD lncRNA levels (B = 0.647; p < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated that both markers had high specificity and moderate-to-high sensitivity in distinguishing suicidal adolescents from controls.

These findings suggest that NORAD lncRNA and MARCKS mRNA may serve as potential biomarkers in adolescents with suicidal ideation. Further studies are warranted to explore their role in the neurobiology and pathophysiology of suicide.