Construction of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on ceRNA mechanism reveals the function of lncRNA in the pathogenesis of gout.

OBJECTIVE

To identify differentially expressed lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA during the pathogenesis of gout, explore the ceRNA network regulatory mechanism of gout, and seek potential therapeutic targets.

METHOD

First, gout-related chips were retrieved by GEO database. Then, the analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs was conducted by R language and other software. Besides, miRNA and its regulated mRNA were predicted based on public databases, the intersection of differentially expressed mRNA and predicated mRNA was taken, and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory relationships were obtained to construct the ceRNA regulatory network. Subsequently, hub genes were screened by the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Then the DAVID database was used to illustrate the gene functions and related pathways of hub genes and to mine key ceRNA networks.

RESULTS

Three hundred and eighty-eight lncRNAs and 758 mRNAs were identified with significant differential expression in gout patient, which regulates hub genes in the ceRNA network, such as JUN, FOS, PTGS2, NR4A2, and TNFAIP3. In the ceRNA network, lncRNA competes with mRNA for miRNA, thus affecting the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Oxytocin signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway through regulating the cell's response to chemical stress. The research indicates that five miRNAs (miR-429, miR-137, miR-139-5p, miR-217, miR-23b-3p) and five lncRNAs (SNHG1, FAM182A, SPAG5-AS1, HNF1A-AS1, UCA1) play an important role in the formation and development of gout.

CONCLUSION

The interaction in the ceRNA network can affect the formation and development of gout by regulating the body's inflammatory response as well as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of chondrocytes and osteoclasts. The identification of potential therapeutic targets and signaling pathways through ceRNA network can provide a reference for further research on the pathogenesis of gout.