Expression pattern of non-coding RNAs in non-functioning pituitary adenoma.

Non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) is a benign tumor arising from the adenohypophyseal cells. They can be associated with symptoms arising from mass effect. Although these tumors are regarded to be benign tumors, they are associated with increased comorbidity and mortality. Several studies have indicated abnormal expression of genes in these tumors. In the current study, we have used existing methods to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including DE long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) and DE microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in NFPAs compared with normal samples. Then, we have assessed the relation between these genes and important signaling pathways. Our analyses led to identification of 3131 DEGs, including 189 downregulated DEGs (such as RPS4Y1 and DDX3Y) and 2898 upregulated DEGs (such as ASB3 and DRD4), and 44 DElncRNAs, including 8 downregulated DElncRNAs (such as NUTM2B-AS1 and MALAT1) and 36 upregulated DElncRNAs (such as BCAR4 and SRD5A3-AS1). GnRH signaling pathway, Tight junction, Gap junction, Melanogenesis, DNA replication, Nucleotide excision repair, Mismatch repair and N-Glycan biosynthesis have been among dysregulated pathways in NFPAs. Taken together, our study has revealed differential expression of several genes and signaling pathways in this type of tumors.