Abstract
Purpose :
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of cellular functions. However an extensive in-depth analysis of their expression profile and function in mouse corneal development is still lacking. Here we investigated lncRNAs profiles of the developing mouse cornea by microarray and bioinformatics.
Methods :
Affymetrix mouse transcriptome 1.0 assay identified corneal lncRNA profile changes occurring between birth and 8 weeks in mice. Real-time RT-PCR analysis validated array findings. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway mapping of protein-coding genes adjacent to signature lncRNAs clarified potential lncRNA roles in regulating corneal development.
Results :
In newborn and 8-week-old mice, 41,987 protein-coding and noncoding gene transcripts were identified. In these two subsets, 19, 623 of this ensemble are lncRNAs annotated in public data banks. During development, 1,272 lncRNAs underwent ≧ two-fold changes in expression levels. qPCR analysis confirmed gene microarray analysis results since there was 90% agreement between the two procedures in identifying lncRNAs contributing to this process. GO analysis of protein-coding genes proximal to lncRNA signatures resolved numerous neighboring protein coding genes regulating cell division and adhesion as well as collagen and cytokine production, suggesting a role for signature lincRNAs in controlling corneal development.
Conclusions :
Time dependent changes in lncRNA expression patterns occurring during mouse corneal development suggest that they play an important role in regulating this process.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.