Transcriptome Analysis of Canine Cardiac Fat Pads: Involvement of Two Novel Long Non-Coding RNAs in Atrial Fibrillation Neural Remodeling

The roles of long noncoding RNAs in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that often occurs in patients with structural heart disease and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in clinical settings. AF is typically associated with significant changes of both the structure of the atria and the cardiac conduction system. AF can result in reduced heart function, heart failure, and various other complications. Current drug therapy for AF patients is often ineffective and may have adverse effects. Radiofrequency ablation is more effective than traditional drug therapy, but this invasive procedure carries potential risks and may lead to postoperative recurrence, limiting the clinical benefits to some extent. Therefore, in-depth research into the molecular mechanisms of AF and exploration of new treatment strategies based on research findings are prerequisites for improving the treatment of AF and the associated cardiac conditions. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new class of noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) with a length exceeding 200 nt, which regulate gene expression at multiple levels. Increasing evidence suggests that lncRNAs participate in many pathological processes of AF initiation, development, and maintenance, such as structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, renin-angiotensin system anomalies, and intracellular calcium deregulation s. LncRNAs that play key roles in structural and electrical remodeling may become molecular markers and targets for AF diagnosis and treatment, respectively, while lncRNAs critical to autonomic nervous system remodeling may bring new insights into the prognosis and recurrence of AF. This review article provides a synopsis on the up-to-date research findings relevant to the roles of lncRNAs in AF.

Long Non-coding RNA Involved in the Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent and chronic cardiovascular disorder associated with various pathophysiological alterations, including atrial electrical and structural remodeling, disrupted calcium handling, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, aberrant energy metabolism, and immune dysregulation. Emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AF.

OBJECTIVE

This discussion aims to elucidate the involvement of AF-related lncRNAs, with a specific focus on their role as miRNA sponges that modulate crucial signaling pathways, contributing to the progression of AF. We also address current limitations in AF-related lncRNA research and explore potential future directions in this field. Additionally, we summarize feasible strategies and promising delivery systems for targeting lncRNAs in AF therapy.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, targeting AF-related lncRNAs holds substantial promise for future investigations and represents a potential therapeutic avenue for managing AF.

Research progress of non-coding RNA in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in clinic, and its incidence is increasing year by year. In today's increasingly prevalent society, ageing poses a huge challenge to global healthcare systems. AF not only affects patients' quality of life, but also causes thrombosis, heart failure and other complications in severe cases. Although there are some measures for the diagnosis and treatment of AF, specific serum markers and targeted therapy are still lacking. In recent years, ncRNAs have become a hot topic in cardiovascular disease research. These ncRNAs are not only involved in the occurrence and development of AF, but also in pathophysiological processes such as myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis, and are potential biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases. We believe that the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of AF and the study of diagnosis and treatment targets can form a more systematic diagnosis and treatment framework of AF and provide convenience for individuals with AF and the society.

Non-coding RNAs in human health and disease: potential function as biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Human diseases have been a critical threat from the beginning of human history. Knowing the origin, course of action and treatment of any disease state is essential. A microscopic approach to the molecular field is a more coherent and accurate way to explore the mechanism, progression, and therapy with the introduction and evolution of technology than a macroscopic approach. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play increasingly important roles in detecting, developing, and treating all abnormalities related to physiology, pathology, genetics, epigenetics, cancer, and developmental diseases. Noncoding RNAs are becoming increasingly crucial as powerful, multipurpose regulators of all biological processes. Parallel to this, a rising amount of scientific information has revealed links between abnormal noncoding RNA expression and human disorders. Numerous non-coding transcripts with unknown functions have been found in addition to advancements in RNA-sequencing methods. Non-coding linear RNAs come in a variety of forms, including circular RNAs with a continuous closed loop (circRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA). This comprises specific information on their biogenesis, mode of action, physiological function, and significance concerning disease (such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases and others). This study review focuses on non-coding RNA as specific biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.

Research Progress of LncRNAs in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias in adults, with high morbidity and increased mortality risk. In recent years, the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and mechanistic research of AF have increased exponentially, and regulation based on the potential molecular mechanism of AF is a research hotspot. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), usually refer to noncoding RNA transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides in length, have been shown to play a role in cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and myocardial fibrosis through various regulatory methods. An increasing number of researchers have begun to pay attention to the identification and function of LncRNAs in AF. This article reviews changes in the expression of related LncRNAs detected in AF and describes the LncRNAs that play a regulatory role in AF-related processes, to explore the potential of LncRNAs as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets in AF.

Exosomes and Exosomal Non-coding RNAs Are Novel Promises for the Mechanism-Based Diagnosis and Treatments of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and has a significant impact on human health and substantial costs. Currently, there is a lack of accurate biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of AF. Moreover, the long-term efficacy of the catheter ablation in the AF is unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new biomarkers and treatment strategies for the mechanism-based AF. Exosomes are nano-sized biovesicles released by nearly all types of cells. Since the AF would be linked to the changes of the atrial cells and their microenvironment, and the AF would strictly influence the exosomal non-coding RNAs (exo-ncRNAs) expression, which makes them as attractive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the AF. Simultaneously, the exo-ncRNAs have been found to play an important role in the mechanisms of the AF and have potential therapeutic prospects. Although the role of the exo-ncRNAs in the AF is being actively investigated, the evidence is still limited. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate approach for exosome isolation and characterization. In this article, we reviewed the new methodologies available for exosomes biogenesis, isolation, and characterization, and then discussed the mechanism of the AF and various levels and types of exosomes relevant to the AF, with the special emphasis on the exo-ncRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the mechanism-based AF.

A narrative review of non-coding RNAs in atrial fibrillation: potential therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms

Objective

This review summarizes the advances in the study of ncRNAs and atrial remodeling mechanisms to explore potential therapeutic targets and strategies for AF.

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias, and its morbidity and mortality rates are gradually increasing. Non-coding ribonucleic acid RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from the genome and do not have the ability to be translated into proteins. A growing body of evidence has shown ncRNAs are extensively involved in the pathophysiological processes underlying AF. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of these associations have not been fully elucidated. Atrial remodeling plays a key role in the occurrence and development of AF, and includes electrical remodeling, structural remodeling, and autonomic nerve remodeling. Research has shown that ncRNA expression is altered in the plasma and tissues of AF patients that mediate cardiac excitation and arrhythmia, and is closely related to atrial remodeling.

Methods

Literatures about ncRNAs and atrial fibrillation were extensively reviewed to discuss and analyze.

Conclusions

The biology of ncRNAs represents a relatively new field of research and is still in an emerging stage. Recent studies have laid a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of AF, future studies aimed at identifying how ncRNAs act on atrial fibrillation to provide potentially promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Exosomes secreted from mesenchymal stem cells mediate the regeneration of endothelial cells treated with rapamycin by delivering pro-angiogenic microRNAs

Delayed endothelial healing after drug eluting stent (DES) implantation is a critical clinical problem in treatment of coronary artery diseases. Exosomes exhibit proangiogenic potential in a variety of ischemic diseases. However, the association of exosomes with endothelial regeneration after DES implantation has been rarely reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on endothelial cells treated with rapamycin and explore the potential mechanisms of MSC-derived exosomes in promoting endothelial regeneration. Exosomes were isolated from MSCs by ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot assay. The in vitro effects of MSC-derived exosomes on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells treated with rapamycin were evaluated by integrated experiment, cell counting kit-8, scratch, tube formation, and transwell assays. And the apoptosis of rapamycin-induced endothelial cells loaded with MSC-derived exosomes was detected using TUNEL and Annexin-V FITC and PI double-staining assays. The microRNA (miRNA) cargo of MSC-derived exosomes was identified by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Pro-angiogenic miRNAs and key pathways were further characterized. Our results indicated that MSC-derived exosomes could be ingested into umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and significantly enhanced cell proliferation rate, migratory and tube-forming capabilities in vitro. MSC-derived exosomes also inhibited the apoptosis of HUVECs induced by rapamycin. A distinct class of exosomal miRNAs was further identified, including six miRNAs tightly related to neovasculogenesis. Silencing the expression of exosomal miRNA-21-5p and let-7c-5p attenuated the pro-proliferative and pro-migratory capacity of MSC-derived exosomes. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis indicated that metabolic pathways might contribute to reendothelialization. This study highlights a proregenerative effect of MSC-derived exosomes in vitro, which may be partly explained by the delivery of pro-angiogenic miRNAs to endothelial cells.

Co-expression Network Analysis Revealing the Potential Regulatory Roles of LncRNAs in Atrial Fibrillation

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart arrhythmic disorders all over the world. However, it is worth noting that the mechanism underlying AF is still dimness.

Methods:

In this study, we implemented a series of bioinformatics methods to explore the mechanisms of lncRNAs underlying AF pathogenesis. The present study analyzed the public datasets (GSE2240 and GSE115574) to identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in the progression of AF.

Results:

Totally, 71 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 390 DEGs were identified in AF.Next, we performed bioinformatics analyses to explore the functions of lncRNAs in AF. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs were involved in regulating multiple key biological processes, such as cell cycle and signal transduction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis demonstrated these lncRNAs were associated with the regulation of MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways. Eight lncRNAs (RP5-1154L15.2, RP11- 339B21.15, RP11-448A19.1, RP11-676J12.4, LOC101930415, MALAT1, NEAT1, and PWAR6) were identified to be key lncRNAs and widely co-expressed with a series of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

Conclusion:

Although further validation was still needed, our study may be helpful to elucidate the mechanisms of lncRNAs underlying AF pathogenesis and providing further insight into identifying novel biomarkers for AF.

The functions of LncRNA in the heart

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that various lncRNAs play critical roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. They are considered a class of dynamic noncoding RNAs known to be involved in physiological and pathological conditions with regulatory and structural roles in numerous biological processes, including genomic imprinting, epigenetic regulation, cell proliferation, development, aging and apoptosis. They are emerging as potential key regulators of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. However, the roles of lncRNAs in the heart function remain largely unknown. The purpose of this review was to summarize the functions of lncRNAs in the heart and discuss the challenges and possible strategies of lncRNA research for cardiovascular disease.

Recent advances on the roles of LncRNAs in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases are a main cause of mortality whose prevalence continues to increase worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate a variety of biological processes by modifying and regulating transcription of coding genes, directly binding to proteins and even coding proteins themselves. LncRNAs play key roles in the occurrence and development of myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocardial hypertrophy, arrhythmias and other pathological processes that significantly affect the prognosis and survival of patients with cardiovascular diseases. We here review the latest research on lncRNAs in cardiovascular diseases as a basis to formulate future research on prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Long noncoding RNA TCONS-00106987 promotes atrial electrical remodelling during atrial fibrillation by sponging miR-26 to regulate KCNJ2

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to play indispensable roles in multiple heart diseases. However, the correlations between lncRNAs and atrial fibrillation (AF) are unclear. In this study, we performed comprehensive lncRNA profiling via high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis using non-AF and AF rabbit models. Based on a series of filtering pipelines and bioinformatics analyses, TCONS-00106987 was selected for further research. TCONS-00106987 levels were increased in the atria during AF. Moreover, the atrial effective refractory period was shortened and the AF inducibility was increased in vivo in response to lentiviral-mediated up-regulation of TCONS-00106987. TCONS-00106987 repression resulted in the opposite effects. Further studies indicated that TCONS-00106987 expression was positively correlated with the expression of the protein-coding gene KCNJ2. Luciferase reporter assays and whole-cell patch-clamp recording confirmed that TCONS-00106987 promoted electrical remodelling via endogenous competition with microRNA-26 (miR-26) to induce transcription of its target gene KCNJ2, thereby increasing inward-rectifier K⁺ current (I_K1 ). In conclusion, our study reveals a pathogenic lncRNA-miRNA regulatory network specific to atrial electrical remodelling that offers potential therapeutic targets for AF.

Genetics and Epigenetics of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to be the most common supraventricular arrhythmia affecting up to 1% of the general population. Its prevalence exponentially increases with age and could reach up to 8% in the elderly population. The management of AF is a complex issue that is addressed by extensive ongoing basic and clinical research. AF centers around different types of disturbances, including ion channel dysfunction, Ca²⁺-handling abnormalities, and structural remodeling. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered over 100 genetic loci associated with AF. Most of these loci point to ion channels, distinct cardiac-enriched transcription factors, as well as to other regulatory genes. Recently, the discovery of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, involving non-coding RNAs (especially microRNAs), DNA methylation, and histone modification, has allowed to decipher how a normal heart develops and which modifications are involved in reshaping the processes leading to arrhythmias. This review aims to provide a current state of the field regarding the identification and functional characterization of AF-related epigenetic regulatory networks

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Atrial Fibrillation: Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes as a Model System

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of sustained arrhythmia in humans often characterized by devastating alterations to the cardiac conduction system as well as the structure of the atria. AF can lead to decreased cardiac function, heart failure, and other complications. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the cardiovascular system, including AF; however, a large group of lncRNAs is not conserved between mouse and human. Furthermore, AF has complex networks showing variations in mechanisms in different species, making it challenging to utilize conventional animal models to investigate the functional roles and potential therapeutic benefits of lncRNAs for AF. Fortunately, pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) offer a reliable platform to study lncRNA functions in AF because of certain electrophysiological and molecular similarities with native human CMs. In this review, we first summarize the broad aspects of lncRNAs in various heart disease settings, then focus on their potential roles in AF development and pathophysiology. We also discuss current uses of PSCs in AF research and describe how these studies could be developed into novel therapeutics for AF and other cardiovascular diseases.

Non-coding RNAs and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent type of cardiac arrhythmia in humans, with an estimate incidence of 1-2% in the general population, rising up to 8-10% in the elderly. Cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and hyperthyroidism can increase the occurrence of AF. The onset of AF triggers additional AF episodes, leading to structural and electrical remodeling of the diseased heart. Understanding the molecular bases of atrial fibrillation have greatly advance over the last decade demonstrating a pivotal role of distinct ion channels in AF pathophysiology. A new scenario has opened on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AF, with the discovery of non-coding RNAs and their wide implication in multiple disease states, including cardiac arrhythmogenic pathologies. microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs of 22-24 nucleotides that are capable of regulating gene expression by interacting with the mRNA transcript 3'UTRs and promoting mRNA degradation and/or protein translation blockage. Long non-coding RNAs are a more diverse group of non-coding RNAs, providing transcriptional and post-transcriptional roles and subclassified according to their functional properties. In this chapter we summarized current state-of-the-art knowledge on the functional of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs as well as their cross-talk regulatory mechanisms in atrial fibrillation.

Genome-wide screening of functional long noncoding RNAs in the epicardial adipose tissues of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmias, and patients with AF are facing increased risk of heart failure and ischemic stroke. However, the AF pathogenesis, especially the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA)-related mechanism, has not been fully understood. In this study, we collected RNA sequencing data of the epicardial adipose tissues (EAT) from 6 AF and 6 sinus rhythm (SR) to identify the differentially expressed protein-coding genes (PCGs) and lncRNAs. Functionally, the differentially expressed PCGs were significantly enriched in bone development disease, chronic kidney failure, and kidney disease. Particularly, we found that homeobox (HOX) genes, especially the antisense RNAs, HOTAIRM1, HOXA-AS2 and HOXB-AS2, were significantly downregulated in EAT of AF. The biological function predictions for the dysregulated lncRNAs revealed that TNF signaling pathway was the most frequent pathway that the lncRNAs might participate in. In addition, SNHG16 and RP11-471B22.2 might participate in TGF-beta signaling and ECM-receptor interaction by interacting with the proteins involved in the pathways, respectively. Collectively, we provided some potentially pathogenic lncRNAs in AF, which might be useful for the related researchers to study their functionality and develop new therapeutics.

A novel long noncoding RNA FAF inhibits apoptosis via upregulating FGF9 through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ischemia-hypoxia cardiomyocytes

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly considered to play an important role in the pathological process of various cardiovascular diseases, which often bind to the proximal promoters of the protein-coding gene to regulate the protein expression. However, the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in cardiomyocytes have not been fully elucidated. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to identify the differently expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats and healthy controls. One novel lncRNA FGF9-associated factor (termed FAF) and mRNAs in AMI rats were verified by bioinformatics, real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Moreover, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to determine the location of lncRNA. Subsequently, a series of in vitro assays were used to observe the functions of lncRNA FAF in cardiomyocytes. The expression of lncRNA FAF and FGF9 were remarkably decreased in ischemia-hypoxia cardiomyocytes and heart tissues of AMI rats. Overexpression of FAF could significantly inhibit cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by ischemia and hypoxia. Conversely, knockdown of lncRNA FAF could promote apoptosis in ischemia-hypoxia cardiomyocytes. Moreover, overexpression of lncRNA FAF could also increase the expression of FGF9. Knockdown of the FGF9 expression could promote apoptosis in cardiomyocytes with the insult of ischemia and hypoxia, which was consistent with the effect of lncRNA FAF overexpression on cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mechanistically, FGF9 inhibited cardiomyocytes apoptosis through activating signaling tyrosine kinase FGFR2 via phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Thus, lncRNA FAF plays a protective role in ischemia-hypoxia cardiomyocytes and may serve as a treatment target for AMI.

Genetics of Atrial Fibrilation: In Search of Novel Therapeutic Targets

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmogenic disease in humans, ranging from 2% in the general population and rising up to 10-12% in 80+ years. Genetic analyses of AF familiar cases have identified a series of point mutations in distinct ion channels, supporting a causative link. However, these genetic defects only explain a minority of AF patients. Genomewide association studies identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), close to PITX2 on 4q25 chromosome, that are highly associated to AF. Subsequent GWAS studies have identified several new loci, involving additional transcription and growth factors. Furthermore, these risk 4q25 SNPs serve as surrogate biomarkers to identify AF recurrence in distinct surgical and pharmacological interventions. Experimental studies have demonstrated an intricate signalling pathway supporting a key role of the homeobox transcription factor PITX2 as a transcriptional regulator. Furthermore, cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperthyroidism, hypertension and redox homeostasis have been identified to modulate PITX2 driven gene regulatory networks. We provide herein a state-of-the-art review of the genetic bases of atrial fibrillation, our current understanding of the genetic regulatory networks involved in AF and its plausible usage for searching novel therapeutic targets.

Altered long non-coding RNA expression profile in rabbit atria with atrial fibrillation: TCONS_00075467 modulates atrial electrical remodeling by sponging miR-328 to regulate CACNA1C

Electrical remodeling has been reported to play a major role in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly recognized as contributors to the pathology of heart diseases. However, the roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs in electrical remodeling during AF remain unknown. In this study, the lncRNA expression profiles of right atria were investigated in AF and non-AF rabbit models by using RNA sequencing technique and validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A total of 99,843 putative new lncRNAs were identified, in which 1220 differentially expressed transcripts exhibited >2-fold change. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict the functions and interactions of the aberrantly expressed genes. On the basis of a series of filtering pipelines, one lncRNA, TCONS_00075467, was selected to explore its effects and mechanisms on electrical remodeling. The atrial effective refractory period was shortened in vivo and the L-type calcium current and action potential duration were decreased in vitro by silencing of TCONS_00075467 with lentiviruses. Besides, the expression of miRNA-328 was negatively correlated with TCONS_00075467. We further demonstrated that TCONS_00075467 could sponge miRNA-328 in vitro and in vivo to regulate the downstream protein coding gene CACNA1C. In addition, miRNA-328 could partly reverse the effects of TCONS_00075467 on electrical remodeling. In summary, dysregulated lncRNAs may play important roles in modulating electrical remodeling during AF. Our study may facilitate the mechanism studies of lncRNAs in AF pathogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for AF.

SNHG8 is identified as a key regulator of epstein-barr virus(EBV)-associated gastric cancer by an integrative analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a variety of cancers, including gastric cancer, which has one of the highest mortality rates of all human cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to have important causal roles in gastric cancer. However, the interaction between lncRNAs and EBV has not yet been studied. To this end, we sequenced 11,311 lncRNAs and 144,826 protein-coding transcripts from four types of tissue: one non-EBV-infected gastric carcinoma (EBVnGC) and its adjacent normal tissue, and one EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) and its adjacent normal tissue. Five lncRNAs showed EBVaGC-specific expression; of those, one (SNHG8) was validated using real-time PCR in an independent cohort with 88 paired gastric cancer and adjacent tissue samples. To explore the functions of SNHG8, we identified its mRNA targets on the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network of the Illumina Body Map, which contains the RNA sequencing data of mRNAs and lncRNAs from 16 normal human tissues. SNHG8 lncRNA was found to affect several gastric cancer-specific pathways and target genes of EBV. Our results reveal the intertwined tumorigenesis mechanisms of lncRNA and EBV and identify SNHG8 as a highly possible candidate biomarker and drug target of gastric cancer.