Insights into RNA transcriptome sequencing of retinal tissues in hypertensive retinopathy rat model

Abstract

Background Hypertensive retinopathy, a complication of systemic hypertension that affects the microvasculature of the retina which result in serious visual disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in a rat model of hypertensive retinopathy (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHR) with or without treatment and to explore their potential roles, involved functions, and signaling pathways. Results Our results revealed that the expression levels of mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were significantly changed in the hypertensive retinopathy models with or without drug therapy. The differentially expressed non-coding RNAs were predicted to target genes contributing to various biological processes and signaling pathways related to hypertensive retinopathy, including immune regulation, wound healing, blood vessel remodeling, and response to external stimuli. Besides, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network consisting of circRNAs and miRNAs identified potential interactions between ncRNAs and their possible roles in hypertensive retinopathy diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions The results of this study shed light on the potential effects of mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs on hypertensive retinopathy pathogenesis and treatment. These molecules could serve as potential biomarkers for early-stage diagnosis or therapeutic targets for hypertensive retinopathy.