Differential gene expression of retrotransposons (LTR and non-LTR) in peripheral blood leukocytes of people with gout
Authors' conclusion
This study reveals a distinct and dynamic retrotransposon signature in gout, with potential implications priming, immune cell behavior, and gene regulation.
Study context
- Population
- Peripheral blood leukocytes of people with gout and healthy controls; HEK293 and THP-1 cells treated with uric acid and monosodium urate
- Participants
- 92 vs 22
- Comparison
- People with gout vs healthy controls
- Goutn = 92
- Healthy controlsn = 22reference
- Outcome
- Expression profiles of retrotransposons (HERVs and non-LTR)
Methodological detailstranscriptomic analysis, cell-based assays
- Transcriptomic analysis
- Cell-based assays
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Differentially expressed retrotransposons, gout vs controls
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) differentially expressed
238
Non-LTR retrotransposons differentially expressed
49
Further findings
Genes near differentially expressed HERVs
- Genes located near differentially expressed HERVs, several with altered expression
- 397
Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) of HERV-regulation gene panels
- Panels for nearby genes, KRAB zinc-finger proteins and stemness-associated genes less enriched in gout vs controls
Immune cell composition (xCell)
- Reduced neutrophils and NK cells; increased CD4+ memory T cells and regulatory T cells in gout
Cell-based assays (HEK293, THP-1)
- Uric acid (UA) and monosodium urate (MSU) differentially modulate LTR and non-LTR retrotransposon expression across cell types
Original publication
Differential gene expression of retrotransposons (LTR and non-LTR) in peripheral blood leukocytes of people with gout. Arthritis Res Ther. Published 6 July 2026. doi:10.
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