Unveiling the ceRNA networks influence on innervation-associated bone tissue: non-coding RNA functions in bone metabolism

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of innervation-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in grafted bone, a subject remaining uncharted in the field of bone innervation. Osteoporosis is a prevalent complication following mandibular reconstruction, significantly affecting the success rate and quality of life of patients with postoperative implants. Utilizing transcriptome sequencing technology, we examined innervation-nurtured bone (IN), reestablished nerve-supply graft bone (RN), and nerve-impaired graft bone (NI). We concentrated on the differential expression of Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in these bone samples. We identified differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), circRNAs (DECs), and miRNAs (DEMs), with significant expression discrepancies. Transcriptome sequencing revealed differential expression of DECs, DEMs, and DELs between IN vs. RN, RN vs. NI, and NI vs. IN. We performed Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses on the differentially expressed miRNAs and circRNAs between the IN and NI groups. Additionally, we determine the GO as well as KEGG pathways by Gene Set Enrichment (GSEA). Meanwhile through the construction of a ceRNA network using Cytoscape 3.10.1, we observed the regulatory relationship between innervation and bone metabolism and gained insights into the molecular interactions. Based on these analyses, we established a novel lncRNA/circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. In conclusion, we identified differential genes in IN, NI, and RN samples, and performed GO and KEGG analysis while constructed a bone tissue ceRNA network between IN vs. NI. This study may provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of nerves in grafted bone.