Hippocampus of Rattus norvegicus small RNA Transcriptome

Previous studies had shown that exposure to PM2.5 can cause hippocampal damage, but the specific mechanism is not clarified. There was evidence that non-coding RNAs were involved in the regulation of nervous system functions, especially their effects on cognitive function. But so far no ceRNA network had been constructed that was related to PM2.5 damage to hippocampal function. Firstly, we confirmed the damage of PM2.5 on hippocampal structure and cognitive function in rats. Secondly, we used RNA sequencing technology to systematically study the ceRNA network in rat hippocampus after PM2.5 exposure. Our results identified 100 circRNAs, 67 lncRNAs, 28 miRNAs, and 539 mRNAs, and constructed the most comprehensive ceRNA network to date. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the network molecules are involved in processes such as synapses, neural projections, and neural development, involving signal pathways such as synaptic vesicle cycle, MAPK signaling pathway, etc. This study systematically dissected ceRNA atlas related to cognitive memory function in hippocampal tissue of PM2.5 exposed rats for the first time. The ceRNA network we constructed could provide a reference for biomarkers for cognitive dysfunction after PM2.5 exposure, and would promote the development of new treatments for the disease.