Integrated analysis of differentially m6A modified and expressed lncRNAs for biomarker identification in coronary artery disease

Abstract N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mammals. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of m6A in coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing to obtain a genome‐wide profile of m6A‐modified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells either exposed to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein treatment or not, and the characteristics of the expression profiles were explored using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The predictive effects of seven selected lncRNAs on CAD were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The differentially m6A‐modified and expressed lncRNAs related genes were predominantly enriched in small GTPase‐mediated signal transduction, ErbB signaling, and Rap1 signaling. Additionally, the expression levels of uc003pes.1 , ENST00000422847 , and NR_110155 were significantly associated with CAD, with uc003pes.1 identified as an independent risk factor and NR_110155 as an independent protective factor for CAD. NR_110155 and uc003pes.1 in PBMCs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for predicting CAD.