Large-Scale Profiling on lncRNAs in Human Platelets: Correlation with Platelet Reactivity

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been key regulators for both mRNAs and proteins in nucleated cells. However, the expression profiles of lncRNAs in non-nucleated cells such as platelets are currently unclear. In this study, we determined the expression profiles of lncRNAs in human platelets. We found that 6109 lncRNAs were expressed in human platelets. Interestingly, 338 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in hyperreactive and hyporeactive platelets. Bioinformatics’ analysis revealed that these aberrantly expressed lncRNAs might be related to platelet activity and other platelet functions. To provide a proof of concept, we measured the expression levels of PARLncRNA-1, a down-regulated lncRNA of hyperreactive platelets, in platelets from 12 patients with acute myocardial infarction and their controls. We found that the lncRNA was also significantly down-regulated in platelets from patients, which was partially reversed by treatment with aspirin a known antiplatelet drug. LncRNAs may represent a novel class of modulators for platelet functions.