The lncRNA and gene expression profiles during the early stages of mice thymic involution

In this study, we collected mice thymus at the age of 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months for sequencing to observe the lncRNA and gene expression profiles in the early stage of thymic involution. RNA-sequencing showed that 340 and 152 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) overlapped at 3- and 6-month-old groups compared with 1-month-old group in males and females, respectively. GO analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in immune response activation, cell proliferation, and fatty acid metabolic process, etc. Next, we identified 15 causal transcription factors. Meanwhile, we identified 16 key DEGs and 29 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DEL), which overlapped both in the male and female groups of 3 months and 6 months for further analysis. Finally, we identified a novel lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network related to adipocyte deposition using Cytoscape. In summary, this study systematically identified and analyzed the expression profiles of lncRNAs and genes during the early stages of thymic involution, which provided valuable data reference for further exploring the roles of lncRNAs in thymic involution. Overall design: Identification and analysis of lncRNA and gene expression profiles in the thymus of BALB/c mice at the age of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months