LncRNA NEAT1 rs3825071 polymorphisms associated with HIV-1 infection in the Hulunbuir population of China.

BACKGROUND

Infection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is modulated by the interplay between host genetic factors and environmental influences.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the association between the rs3825071 polymorphism of the lncRNANEAT1 and HIV-1 infection within the Hulunbuir population in China.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this study, 200 individuals infected with HIV-1 and 200 healthy controls were recruited. The rs3825071 locus was genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method, while the NEAT1 expression was assessed through RT-qPCR. Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between viral load (log10) and NEAT1 expression. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent risk factors associated with HIV-1 infection.

RESULTS

The T allele at the rs3825071 locus was associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 infection (OR = 1.738, 95 % CI = 1.233-2.449, P = 0.001). Individuals with the TT genotype demonstrate the highest risk of infection (OR = 3.014, P = 0.014). Furthermore, NEAT1 expression in the HIV-1 group was significantly lower compared to the control group. A negative correlation was observed between NEAT1 expression and viral load (log10); more specifically, carriers of the CT + TT genotypes exhibited markedly reduced NEAT1 expression alongside elevated viral loads (log10). Both the CT + TT genotype of rs3825071 and low NEAT1 expression were found to be independent risk factors for HIV-1 infection. The rs3825071 polymorphism may contribute to the progression of HIV-1 infection by downregulating NEAT1 expression.

CONCLUSION

The NEAT1 rs3825071 polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to HIV-1 in the Hulunbuir population of China, where CT and TT genotypes may increase the risk of infection.