‐LinfRNAs are novel regulators of inflammation, immune response and metabolism

Noncoding RNAs are emerging players in cell signaling and metabolism. Studies from our laboratory demonstrate that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR plays critical roles in inflammation via regulation of NF‐kB activation and cytokine expression. In a recent study, we explored potential involvement of other noncoding RNAs associated with inflammation and immune signaling. Based on RNAseq analysis we discovered a series novel LinfRNAs ( L ong‐noncoding inf lammation associated RNA ) which play critical roles in cytokine regulation and inflammation in macrophages. Several LinfRNAs are highly upregulated in LPS‐stimulated macrophages and their independent knockdowns downregulate LPS‐induced cytokine expression and NF‐kB activation, suggesting their potential roles in inflammation and immune response. Here, we will present functional roles of selected linfRNAs, mLinfRNA1 and mLinfRNA2, in cytokine regulation and inflammation. Importantly, metabolic reprogramming is critically linked to inflammation and macrophage activation. Here we will also present our recent studies on how LinfRNAs may influence glucose metabolism in macrophages during inflammatory response.