Expression Profiles of Long Noncoding RNA in UVA-Induced Human Skin Fibroblasts

Background: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are differentially expressed across stages of differentiation and development, but the role of lncRNA in human skin photoaging mechanisms remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to determine lncRNA expression changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) induced by repeated UVA irradiation and to explore correlations between lncRNA and skin photoaging prognosis. Methods: In the UVA-HDF group, HDF were subjected to repeated UVA irradiation (10 J/cm² UVA twice daily for 7 days); in the control group, HDF received no irradiation. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect lncRNA expression profiles. Functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment were preformed via Gene Ontology and KEGG. Predicted lncRNA target genes were identified by bioinformatic analysis. Results: In the UVA-HDF group, 1,730 lncRNA exhibited over 2-fold expression changes compared with the control group: 1,494 were upregulated, and 236 downregulated. Predicted lncRNA targets were associated with matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsin D, mitogen-activated protein kinase and TGF-β signaling pathways, and collagen fiber metabolism following repeated UVA damaging mechanisms. Conclusions: lncRNA profiles were aberrantly expressed in UVA-HDF and might play a key role in skin photoaging. This study provides novel insights into the repeated UVA-damaging pathology and potential targets for treatment of human skin photoaging.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2017;30:315-323