Differential long noncoding RNAs expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts of non-small-cell lung cancer.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) profiles in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) during non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. Materials & methods: Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were detected by lncRNA microarray between three patient-paired CAFs and the adjacent normal fibroblasts, which were obtained from tumoral and nontumoral portions of surgically resected lung tissue from three primary NSCLCs. Bioinformatic analyses including gene ontology and pathway analysis were applied to these differentially expressed mRNAs. The qRT-PCR was conducted to identify the change of selected lncRNAs that might be involved in contribution of CAFs toward NSCLC. Results:A total of766 lncRNAs and 750 mRNAs abnormally expressed in CAFs (fold-change >2, p<0.05). Bioinformatic analyses indicated that these mRNAs are associated with immune function. The qPCR results were consistent with microarray data. Conclusion: The lncRNAs profiles of CAFs may provide promising targets for further research on immune regulation during NSCLC process.