LncRNAs as potential biomarkers for platelet storage lesion

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Hematology

Background:

• Platelet transfusions are vital for treating bleeding disorders.
• Platelet storage lesions (PSL) degrade platelet quality and reduce transfusion efficacy.
• Identifying biomarkers for PSL is crucial for improving blood product quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To profile long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression in stored platelets.
• To investigate associations between lncRNA expression and storage duration, donor demographics, and apheresis history.
• To identify potential lncRNA biomarkers for assessing platelet storage lesions.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of GAS5, LIPCAR, MALAT1, and SNHG9 lncRNA expression in stored platelets.
• Correlation analysis of lncRNA levels with storage time, donor gender, blood type, and apheresis donation frequency.
• Assessment of lncRNA expression in relation to platelet quality indicators.

Main Results:

• GAS5, LIPCAR, and SNHG9 expression increased with storage time; MALAT1 expression remained stable.
• lncRNA expression patterns varied significantly by blood group, were higher in males, and in donors with fewer lifetime apheresis donations.
• Platelet quality indicators correlated with lncRNA expression, particularly LIPCAR and SNHG9.

Conclusions:

• lncRNA expression in platelets is influenced by storage duration, donor sex, blood type, and apheresis frequency.
• GAS5, LIPCAR, MALAT1, and SNHG9 represent a promising panel of biomarkers for evaluating platelet storage lesions.
• These lncRNA biomarkers could enhance the assessment of platelet quality and transfusion effectiveness.