Analysis of ceRNA network reveal potential lncRNA Biomarkers in macrophages resistant to vpr induced apoptosis

Backgrounds:Macrophages are one of HIV reservoirs. Vpr is essential for infection of macrophages by HIV-1 and has the potential to promote survival of macrophages, which could be a highly significant factor in the development and/or maintenance of macrophage viral reservoirs. However, the impact of vpr on macrophages resistance to apoptosis is yet to be comprehended. Methods:We determined the expression profiles of lncRNAs in THP1-MAC and THP1-MAC treated with Vpr peptides using microarray analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore their function. We also constructed competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks with bioinformatics methods. Results：We identified 410 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed between THP1-MAC and THP1-MAC after Vpr peptides treatment. Significantly enriched GO terms and pathways were identified, some of which were linked to apoptosis and inflammatory responses. CeRNA analysis showed that lncRNA LINC02249 was paired with the most differentially expressed gene. qRT-PCR results confirmed the reliability of the microarray data. Conclusions：LINC02249 associated ceRNA network may play a role in macrophages resistant to vpr induced apoptosis. This will provide a new avenue for investigating the pathogenesis of macrophages resistant to vpr-induced apoptosis. analysis the expression profiles of lncRNAs in THP1-MAC and THP1-MAC treated with Vpr peptides using microarray analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore their function.