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Non-coding RNAs in peripheral vascular diseases - a snRNA study
Daniel P Zalewski1, Marcin Feldo2, Andrzej Stępniewski3
1Chair and Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., Lublin, 20-093, Poland. daniel.zalewski@umlub.pl.
Journal of Applied Genetics
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) show altered expression in patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) and chronic venous disease (CVD). These snRNAs may serve as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and understanding vascular disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Vascular conditions like lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and chronic venous disease (CVD) are underdiagnosed and pose significant public health challenges.
- Novel molecular biomarkers are essential for early diagnosis, risk stratification, understanding disease mechanisms, and developing targeted therapies for vascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients diagnosed with LEAD, AAA, and CVD.
- To identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with observed snRNA dysregulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of snRNA expression profiles using snRNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) data and the DESeq2 package.
- Utilizing miRNA-sequencing (miRNA-seq) data to identify miRNAs linked to snRNA dysregulation.
- In silico confirmation of miRNA-snRNA interactions using the IntaRNA platform.
Main Results:
- Four dysregulated snRNAs (RNU6-4P, RNU6-18P, RNU6-36P, RNU2-48P) were identified in patients with LEAD.
- Two dysregulated snRNAs (RNVU1-19, RNU1-146P) were identified in patients with CVD.
- Three miRNA-snRNA interactions involving differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed in silico. Genetic variants within dysregulated snRNAs suggest functional links to platelet function, blood pressure, and smoking.
Conclusions:
- Small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) show potential as novel biomarkers for vascular diseases like LEAD and CVD.
- The findings provide insights into the potential role of snRNAs in the pathophysiology of vascular conditions.
- Further research into snRNA's role could advance early detection and therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases.
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