P.038 Investigating the role of long non-coding RNAs in glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

Background: Malignant gliomas are the most common and deadly brain tumors. Mean survival rate for a patient diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains slightly over one year. Standard of care consists of treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy. Recent work has highlighted functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GBM progression and TMZ response even though the information regarding these newly discovered molecules is sparse. The overarching objective of this project was thus to assess the expression of select lncRNAs in GBM tumor samples and in models of TMZ resistance. Methods: A qRT-PCR-based approach was undertaken to measure six lncRNAs in 19 primary GBM samples, four GBM cell lines and in-house developed TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Results: Elevated levels of Hotair and H19 were observed in primary GBM tumors while decreased expression of MEG3 was recorded in the same samples. Interestingly, levels of PANDA increased 3.4-fold in GBM cells resistant to TMZ when compared with their sensitive counterparts. Conclusions: Overall, this work provides evidence of lncRNA deregulation in GBM tumors and reveals a previously unexplored lncRNA potentially involved in TMZ resistance. Modulation of lncRNA targets via RNAi-mediated approaches is envisioned to clarify their function and to strengthen their position as therapeutic options in GBMs.