Long non-coding RNA expression profiles reveal candidate regulatory networks in trigeminal ganglia of mice with diabetic corneal neuropathy

Background This study aimed to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) differentially expressed in diabetic corneal neuropathy (DCN) and to explore candidate regulatory networks associated with DCN. Methods A DCN mouse model was established, and RNA sequencing was performed on trigeminal ganglia (TG) from control and DCN mice. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified, followed by cis-target prediction, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, correlation analysis, and construction of lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. The expression of selected lncRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR. Results RNA sequencing identified 85 upregulated and 127 downregulated lncRNAs, together with 246 upregulated and 223 downregulated mRNAs in DCN mice. Cis-target prediction identified 59 candidate lncRNA–mRNA pairs, and the corresponding protein-coding genes were primarily associated with biological processes including lipid metabolism and autophagy. Correlation analysis further supported coordinated expression within the candidate cis-associated lncRNA–mRNA pairs. CeRNA network analysis suggested that 88 lncRNAs may be associated with 19 mRNAs through interactions with 14 miRNAs. qRT-PCR confirmed the differential expression of E230016M11Rik , Snhg1 , and Airn , supporting their potential as candidates for further mechanistic investigation in DCN. Conclusion This study identifies differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in DCN and provides candidate regulatory networks that may offer new insights into its molecular basis and guide future mechanistic studies.