LncRNA-mRNA regulatory network reveals key lncRNAs tightly associated with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes

Abstract

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm birth (PTB) are significant pregnancy complications, accounting for approximately one-third of PTB, often preceded by preterm PROM (PPROM). The underlying causes of PROM and PTB are multifaceted and not fully understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal elements in the molecular landscape of PPROM. In our study, we analyzed fetal membrane samples from Term labor (TL), PROM, PTB, and PPROM groups using transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes, including both lncRNAs and mRNAs. Our findings highlighted a subset of lncRNAs, BBOX1-AS1, VIM-AS1, XLOC-031812 and AC106706.1 as potentially influential in the pathophysiology of PROM and PTB. Co-expression analyses further revealed that the target genes regulated by these lncRNAs were significantly implicated in pregnancy progression and embryonic placental development. These insights underscored the importance of the lncRNA-mRNA axis in the onset and progression of PROM and PTB, offering new avenues for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions. Our research not only contributes to the elucidation of lncRNA mediated regulatory mechanisms in PROM and PTB, but also holds promise for improving preventative and therapeutic strategies, ultimately safeguarding maternal and infant well-being.