Potential biomarkers for retinopathy of prematurity identified by circular RNA profiling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to reveal the altered expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and to identify potential biomarkers for ROP diagnosis.MethodsDifferentially expressed circRNAs in PBMCs of five infants with ROP and five controls were identified using microarray analysis. Twelve altered circRNAs were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to predict the circRNA/miRNA interactions, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, related biological functions, and signaling pathways. Four selected circRNAs in PBMCs were verified using RT-qPCR in another cohort, including 24 infants with ROP and 23 premature controls, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate their potential as diagnostic biomarkers of ROP.ResultsA total of 54 and 143 circRNAs were significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the PBMCs of patients with ROP compared with controls. Twelve of the significantly altered circRNAs were preliminarily validated by RT-qPCR, which confirmed the reliability of the microarray analysis. The circRNA/miRNA interactions and ceRNA network were displayed according to the altered circRNAs. Three circRNAs (hsa_circRNA_061346, hsa_circRNA_092369, and hsa_circRNA_103554) were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for ROP with certain clinical values.ConclusionsCircRNAs were significantly altered in PBMCs of treatment-requiring ROP patients. CircRNAs may be used as potential biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets for ROP.

Interaction between the expression of hsa_circRPRD1A and hsa_circHERPUD2 and classical coronary risk factors promotes the development of coronary artery disease

“…The impact of circGSAP in PBMCs on idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has been examined by investigators [ 31 ]. The expression profiles of circRNAs in PBMCs from retinopathy of prematurity patients were revealed by Li et al through microarray analysis [ 32 ]. Additionally, evidence from numerous research points to a potential link between the expression of circRNAs and the incidence and progression of rheumatoid arthritis [ 33 , 34 ].…”

m6A modifications of circular RNAs in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization

“…In OIR mouse model, 539 circRNAs were significantly changed in the retinal neovascularization group, indicating the possible involvement of circRNA-associated ceRNA networks [16]. Significant alteration of circRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in premature infants suggests they may also be biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for ROP [17]. Numerous studies have revealed profile alterations in m 6 A-modified circRNAs in many diseases, including cerebral infarction [18], severe acute pancreatitis [19], acute myeloid leukemia [20], and oral squamous cell carcinoma [21].…”