Identification of the expression of tRNA-derived small RNAs associated with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe neonatal gastrointestinal disease. We explored plasma exosomal small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), especially tsRNAs, as potential NEC treatment targets. Small RNA microarray analysis was performed on exosomes from 4 NEC and 4 control plasma samples, and 9 paired samples were used for qRT-PCR validation. GO and KEGG analyses determined tsRNAs' functions, and TargetScan and miRanda identified their target genes. tsRNAs were prominently altered among sncRNAs. We found 10 downregulated and 4 upregulated tsRNAs in the NEC group. Bioinformatics analysis showed they regulate immune processes via pathways like "Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction". POU2AF1 expression was significantly upregulated in NEC. Plasma-derived exosomal tsRNAs suggest a preliminary association with NEC diagnosis and progression. POU2AF1 represents a potential therapeutic target, but more pre-clinical and clinical studies are required. The expression of sncRNAs in plasma-derived exosomes appears to be altered between neonates with NEC and healthy neonates. We assessed the potential effect of suggestive differential expression of tsRNAs through bioinformatics analysis to explore the key genes influencing the development of NEC. Our findings suggest the possibility that POU2AF1 could serve as a potential biomarker for the treatment of NEC.