Integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling to identify mRNA targets of dysregulated miRNAs in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to identify mRNA targets of dysregulated miRNAs through the integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiling in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients versus healthy individuals.Materials & methods:Expression profiles in blood obtained from PTB patients and healthy individuals were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing.Results:Forty-one differentially expressed miRNAs and 2565 mRNAs were obtained. A large number of the differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were related to immune-related pathways, particularly the tuberculosis, phagosome and MAPK signaling pathway. Three hundred and fifty-nine potential target genes were identified for 41 differentially expressed miRNAs. Many of target genes were enriched to phagosome, calcium and insulin signaling pathway.Conclusion:The mRNA–miRNA regulatory networks described here provide new insights for further elucidation of PTB pathogenesis.