title: An integrative genomics screen uncovers ncRNA T-UCR functions in neuroblastoma tumours.
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.
authors.affiliation: Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mestdagh
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fredlund
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pattyn
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rihani
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Van Maerken
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vermeulen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kumps
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Menten
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: De Preter
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schramm
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Noguera
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schleiermacher
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Janoueix-Lerosey
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Laureys
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Powel
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nittner
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Marine
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ringnér
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Speleman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vandesompele
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D017124:Conserved Sequence / Q000235:genetics*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D023281:Genomics; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; D022661:RNA, Untranslated