Long non coding RNA (lncRNA) profiling of the colon epithelium of chronicallly SIV infected Rhesus macaques(RMs) administered either Δ9 THC or Vehicle (VEH)

Here, we describe new information on changes in the lncRNA landscape and their potential role in the pathogenesis of HIV/SIV induced intestinal epithelial dysfunction. Our study provides relevant novel insights on the protective role of the natural anti-sense lncRNA MMP25-AS1 in the colonic epithelium (CE) and its modulation by long-term controlled delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration during chronic HIV/SIV infection. More specifically, we demonstrate a novel epigenetic mechanism in maintaining intestinal homeostasis by MMP25-AS1 upregulated by THC in CE via direct counteraction of matrix metalloproteinase 25 (MMP25) expression. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs was profiled in the CE of chronically SIV infected RMs administered either THC (n = 6, duration = 6 months) or VEH (n = 5, duration = 6 months) and uninfected control (n = 6) animals