Dynamic co-expression network analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with venous congestion

Venous congestion and volume overload are important in cardiorenal syndromes, in which multiple regulated factors are involved, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). To investigate the underlying role of lncRNAs in regulating the development of venous congestion, an Affymetrix microarray associated with peripheral venous congestion was annotated, then a bipartite dynamic lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed in which nodes indicated lncRNAs or mRNAs. The nodes were connected when the lncRNAs or mRNAs were dynamically co-expressed. Following functional analysis of this network, several dynamic alternative pathways were identified, including the calcium signaling pathway during venous congestion development. Additionally, certain lncRNAs (LINC00523, LINC01210 and RP11-435O5.5) were identified that may potentially dynamically regulate certain proteins, including plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), in the calcium signaling pathway. Particularly, the dynamically regulated switch of LINC00523 from co-expression with PMCA to GPCR may be involved in damage to steady state intracellular calcium. In brief, the current study demonstrated a potential novel mechanism of lncRNA function during venous congestion.