Whole transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed key RNA profiles in primary Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Background The pathogenesis of Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is complex and no definite conclusions have been reached. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of pSS. However, regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in pSS are not fully elucidated, including mRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs. Results In this study, whole blood samples of 3 pSS patients and 3 healthy individuals were collected, which were sequenced by whole transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs. Compared to the healthy control group, we identified 205 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), 543 DE lncRNAs (DELs), 28 DE circRNAs (DECs) and 18 DE miRNAs (DEmiRs) in the pSS group. In addition, GO and KEGG analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, ECM-receptor activation and VEGF signaling pathway. Furthermore, the constructed ceRNA networks suggested that several miRNAs might be a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pSS. Conclusions These results provide date support for exploring the key ncRNAs and signaling pathways in pSS. The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA/circRNA network may contribute to the insight into the pathogenesis of disease.