Identification of cancer-related miRNA-lncRNA biomarkers using a basic miRNA-lncRNA network

PLoS One. 2018 May 1;13(5):e0196681. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196681. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

LncRNAs are regulatory noncoding RNAs that play crucial roles in many biological processes. The dysregulation of lncRNA is thought to be involved in many complex diseases; lncRNAs are often the targets of miRNAs in the indirect regulation of gene expression. Numerous studies have indicated that miRNA-lncRNA interactions are closely related to the occurrence and development of cancers. Thus, it is important to develop an effective method for the identification of cancer-related miRNA-lncRNA interactions. In this study, we compiled 155653 experimentally validated and predicted miRNA-lncRNA associations, which we defined as basic interactions. We next constructed an individual-specific miRNA-lncRNA network (ISMLN) for each cancer sample and a basic miRNA-lncRNA network (BMLN) for each type of cancer by examining the expression profiles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database. We then selected potential miRNA-lncRNA biomarkers based on the BLMN. Using this method, we identified cancer-related miRNA-lncRNA biomarkers and modules specific to a certain cancer. This method of profiling will contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of cancers at the level of gene regulatory networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Long Noncoding

Associated data

  • figshare/6166286

Grants and funding

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11571173 to LYZ, 11401131 to YYC; 11601233 to ZC). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.