A searchable atlas of pathogen-sensitive lncRNA networks in human macrophages

Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are crucial yet underexplored regulators of human immunity. Here we develop GRADR, a method integrating gradient profiling with RNA-binding proteome analysis, to map the protein interactomes of all expressed RNAs in a single experiment to study mechanisms of lnc...

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Main Authors: Nils Schmerer, Harshavardhan Janga, Michelle Aillaud, Janina Hoffmann, Marina Aznaourova, Sarah Wende, Henrike Steding, Luke D. Halder, Michael Uhl, Fabian Boldt, Thorsten Stiewe, Andrea Nist, Lukas Jerrentrup, Andreas Kirschbaum, Clemens Ruppert, Oliver Rossbach, Evgenia Ntini, Annalisa Marsico, Chanil Valasarajan, Rolf Backofen, Uwe Linne, Soni S. Pullamsetti, Bernd Schmeck, Leon N. Schulte
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60084-x
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Summary:Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are crucial yet underexplored regulators of human immunity. Here we develop GRADR, a method integrating gradient profiling with RNA-binding proteome analysis, to map the protein interactomes of all expressed RNAs in a single experiment to study mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated regulation of human primary macrophages. Applying GRADR alongside CRISPR-multiomics, we reveal a network of NFκB-dependent lncRNAs, including LINC01215, AC022816.1 and ROCKI, which modulate distinct aspects of macrophage immunity, particularly through interactions with mRNA-processing factors, such as hnRNP proteins. We further uncover the function of ROCKI in repressing the messenger of the anti-inflammatory GATA2 transcription factor, thus promoting macrophage activation. Lastly, all data are consolidated in the SMyLR web interface, a searchable reference catalog for exploring lncRNA functions and pathway-dependencies in immune cells. Our results thus not only highlight the important functions of lncRNAs in immune regulation, but also provide a rich resource for lncRNA studies.
ISSN:2041-1723