An integrative genomics screen uncovers ncRNA T-UCR functions in neuroblastoma tumours

Oncogene. 2010 Jun 17;29(24):3583-92. doi: 10.1038/onc.2010.106. Epub 2010 Apr 12.

Abstract

Different classes of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, have recently been implicated in the process of tumourigenesis. In this study, we examined the expression and putative functions of a novel class of non-coding RNAs known as transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) in neuroblastoma. Genome-wide expression profiling revealed correlations between specific T-UCR expression levels and important clinicogenetic parameters such as MYCN amplification status. A functional genomics approach based on the integration of multi-level transcriptome data was adapted to gain insights into T-UCR functions. Assignments of T-UCRs to cellular processes such as TP53 response, differentiation and proliferation were verified using various cellular model systems. For the first time, our results define a T-UCR expression landscape in neuroblastoma and suggest widespread T-UCR involvement in diverse cellular processes that are deregulated in the process of tumourigenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Conserved Sequence / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genomics*
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neuroblastoma / diagnosis
  • Neuroblastoma / genetics*
  • Neuroblastoma / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Neoplasm / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics*
  • RNA, Untranslated / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Histones
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • RNA, Untranslated