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The Role of the Dysregulation of Long Non-Coding and Circular RNA Expression in Medulloblastoma: A Systematic Review
Ivan Martinez de Estibariz1, Anastasija Jakjimovska2, Unai Illarregi1
1Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain.
Abstract:
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in childhood. Although recent multi-omic studies have led to advances in MB classification, there is still room for improvement with regard to treatment response and survival. Therefore, identification of new and less invasive biomarkers is needed to refine the diagnostic process and to develop more personalized treatment strategies. In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could be useful biomarkers for MB. In this article, we reviewed the role of two types of ncRNAs, long non-coding (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as biomarkers for the diagnosis, subgroup classification, and prognosis of MB. We also reviewed potential candidates with specific functions and mechanisms of action in the disease. We performed a search in PubMed and Scopus using the terms ("long non coding RNAs" OR "lncRNAs") and ("circular RNAs" OR "circRNAs") AND "medulloblastoma" to identify biomarker discovery or functional studies evaluating the effects of these ncRNAs in MB. A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Among the lncRNAs, the tumorigenic effects of the upregulated lnc-IRX3-80 and lnc-LRRC47-78 were the most studied in MB. Among the circRNAs, the upregulation of circSKA3 and its functional impact in MB cell lines were the most consistent results, so this circRNA could be considered a potential biomarker in MB. Additional validation is required for many deregulated lncRNAs and circRNAs; therefore, further studies are warranted.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), show promise as biomarkers for childhood medulloblastoma (MB). Further research is needed to validate their diagnostic and prognostic potential in MB.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent pediatric malignant brain tumor.
- Current multi-omic studies have improved MB classification, but treatment response and survival require enhancement.
- Less invasive biomarkers are crucial for refining diagnosis and personalizing treatment strategies for MB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) as biomarkers in medulloblastoma (MB).
- To identify potential ncRNA candidates with specific functions and mechanisms in MB.
- To assess the diagnostic, classification, and prognostic utility of ncRNAs in MB.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases.
- Keywords used: "long non coding RNAs" OR "lncRNAs", "circular RNAs" OR "circRNAs", and "medulloblastoma".
- Inclusion criteria focused on biomarker discovery or functional studies of ncRNAs in MB; 26 articles were selected.
Main Results:
- Several lncRNAs, notably lnc-IRX3-80 and lnc-LRRC47-78, exhibit tumorigenic effects and are frequently upregulated in MB.
- circSKA3 demonstrates consistent upregulation and functional impact in MB cell lines, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
- Multiple deregulated lncRNAs and circRNAs were identified, but require additional validation in MB.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs and circRNAs represent promising avenues for novel biomarker development in medulloblastoma (MB).
- circSKA3 emerges as a strong candidate biomarker for MB due to consistent findings in cell line studies.
- Further extensive research and validation are essential to fully realize the clinical utility of these ncRNAs in MB diagnosis and prognosis.
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