Expression analysis of genes modulated after knock-down of lncRNA CHROME.

Thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in the human genome, many of which are not conserved in lower mammals. The majority of these lncRNAs remain functionally uncharacterized and may have important implications in human physiology and disease. Here, we identify a primate-specific lncRNA, CHROME, which is increased in the plasma and atherosclerotic plaques of individuals with coronary artery disease compared to healthy controls. Using a loss-of-function approach, we show that CHROME functions as a competing endogenous RNA of microRNAs and regulates the concentration and biological functions of target genes. Overall design: We used three replicate samples of HEPG2 cells that were treated with shRNA for CHROME compated to three replicate control samples.