Galectin-1-dependent ceRNA network in HRMECs revealed its association with retinal neovascularization

Background: Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks play vital roles in angiogenesis. The RNA-binding protein galectin-1 (Gal-1) participates in pathological RNV in oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse models. However, the molecular associations between Gal-1 and lncRNAs remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the potential mechanism of action of Gal-1 as an RNA-binding protein. Results: A comprehensive network of Gal-1, ceRNAs, and neovascularization-related genes was constructed based on transcriptome chip data and bioinformatics analysis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. We also conducted functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses. Fourteen lncRNAs, twenty-nine miRNAs, and eleven differentially expressed angiogenic genes were included in the Gal-1/ceRNA network. WT1-AS, LINC01140, and LUCAT1 were situated at the center of the network. Additionally, several key angiogenic genes, such as apelin, angiomotin, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, were found to potentionally interact with Gal-1 via the ceRNA axis. Furthermore, Gal-1 may be involved in regulating biological processes related to chemotaxis, chemokine-mediated signaling, the immune response, and the inflammatory response. Conclusions: The Gal-1/ceRNA axis identified in this study may play a vital role in RNV. This study provides a foundation for the continued exploration of therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with RNV. Overall design: Comparative gene expression profiling analysis of RNA-seq data for LGALS1 knockdown and control groups in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells.