Transcriptomic profiling of long non-coding RNAs and messenger RNAs in the liver of mice during Toxoplasma gondii infection

Abstract

Background Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It poses significant health risks, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy, leading to severe disease manifestations. The liver, being a crucial organ involved in immune response and metabolic regulation, plays a critical role in the host's defense against T. gondii infection. Methods In this study, we utilized RNA sequencing to investigate the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the liver of mice infected with T. gondii. By employing this method, we obtained a comprehensive overview of the alterations in gene expression occurring in the liver during infection. Results By comparing the infected groups to the control groups, we identified numerous differentially expressed lncRNAs DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs at two stages of infection. Specifically, at the acute infection stage, we found 628 DElncRNAs, and 6346 DEmRNAs. At the chronic infection stage, we identified 385 DElncRNAs and 2513 DEmRNAs. Furthermore, we identified 1959 commonly expressed DEmRNAs, including IL27, Nos2, and Cxcr2, across two infection stages. Enrichment and co-location analyses revealed pathways linked to immune and inflammatory responses during T. gondii infection. Notably, through co-location analysis, our analysis revealed several DElncRNAs, including Gm29156, Gm29157, and Gm28644, which are potentially implicated in the progression of liver inflammation induced by T. gondii. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis disclosed stage-specific characteristics of liver inflammation and immune response, alongside changes in metabolic regulation and immunosuppression pathways. Conclusions Our findings provide valuable insights into the expression patterns of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the liver at different stages of T. gondii infection. We identified potential regulatory factors and pathways implicated in liver inflammation, thereby enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying liver inflammation and immune responses during T. gondii infection. These findings could contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for liver inflammation in the context of T. gondii infection. Graphical Abstract