Distinct Expression Profiles of lncRNAs between Regressive and Mature Scars

Abstract

Background: Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in human diseases. The function of lncRNAs in abnormal scar pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we examined the lncRNAs expression profiles among regressive and mature scars following caesarean sections. A total of 30,586 lncRNAs and 26,109 mRNAs were analyzed by microarrays (Human LncRNA Array v3.0, Arraystar, Inc.). Results: In total, we identified 1,871 lncRNAs and 817 mRNAs with differential expression between regressive and mature scar individuals (fold change≥3, p≤0.001). A set of differentially expressed lncRNA transcripts, in particular, lncRNA8975-1, AC097662.2 and RP11-586K2.1, were confirmed using qRT-PCR. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that compared to mature scars, many processes over-represented in regressive scars are related to the immune system. Conclusion: Our results show significantly altered expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs between regressive and mature scars. These transcripts are potential molecular targets for inhibiting abnormal scar formation following caesarean sections.