Identification of imatinib-resistant long non-coding RNAs in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an abundant RNA species that belong to the competing endogenous RNA network, which serves a critical role in the development, diagnosis and progression of diseases. Using chip technology, the current study analyzed the expression of lncRNAs in paired normal gastric tissues, primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) tissues and GIST tissues resistant to imatinib mesylate. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were used to predict potential tumorigenesis and drug resistance mechanisms. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 pathway was identified as a putative mediator of drug resistance. To the best of our knowledge, the current study was the first to investigate the role of lncRNAs in imatinib mesylate-resistant GISTs and primary GISTs using chip technology. An association was revealed between lncRNA expression and imatinib mesylate resistance. In summary, the current study identified a panel of dysregulated lncRNAs that may serve as potential biomarkers or drug targets for GISTs, particularly secondary imatinib-resistant GISTs.