Identification of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with primary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

Background: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by a progressive permanent degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) death. An increasing number of studies have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have the ability to regulate gene expression; however, thus far, the mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs in the development of POAG are still unclear. Methods: Using the data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), differentially expressed lncRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs between POAG patients and controls were identified. Then, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, and the key lncRNAs in POAG were identified. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to assess the enriched biological functions of mRNA in the ceRNA network. Results: During this study, a POAG-related ceRNA network with 37 miRNA nodes, 248 lncRNA nodes, 178 mRNA nodes, and 1985 edges was constructed. In addition, four lncRNAs (DNAJC27-AS1, AF121898, OIP5-AS1, and SNX29P2) were established as hub RNAs in this ceRNA network. The functional assay showed that 18 GO terms and 17 pathways were enriched. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the lncRNA-related ceRNA network in POAG, and the four lncRNAs were identified in the development of POAG.