Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs identified by microarray analysis in CD4+T cells in asthmatic patients

The aim of the study was to determine the expression profiles of message RNAs and long non-coding RNAs in CD4+T cells of asthmatic patients and to explore the clinical value and biological function. Expression profiles in CD4+T cells of asthmatic patients and healthy controls were analyzed by microarray. We found 2725 lncRNAs and 3167 mRNAs differentially expressed. The data were validated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, with 3 up-regulated (ENST00000444682, ENST00000566098, ENST00000583179) and 1 down-regulated (ENST00000579468) lncRNAs found. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve was 0.7058, 0.9026, 0.8361, 0.8316, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that ENST00000566098 was positively related with IL-13 and ENST00000579468 was positively related with peak expiratory flow. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore the function of lncRNAs. Specific lncRNAs aberrantly expressed in CD4+T cells may take part in the development of asthma and may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis.