Abstract Background Advances in multi-omic studies have improved medulloblastoma (MB) characterization, yet novel molecular biomarkers are needed to refine tumor biology and therapeutic strategies. Current profiling mainly targets the protein-coding genome, while the potential of non-coding regions remains unexplored. This study aims to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), emerging as crucial regulators in MB, as potential key biomarkers specific to molecular group, enhancing understanding of MB`s genomic landscape. Methods RNA-seq data from 54 Spanish MB patients (C1) and 207 public samples (C2) were analyzed to profile lncRNAs. Expression and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network (WGCNA) analyses were performed to identify lncRNA-oncogene interactions. Group-specific interactions were examined to infer their role in MB pathogenesis and highlight potential lncRNA involvement in disease mechanisms. Results LncRNA expression profiles identified four clusters corresponding to the MB molecular groups, confirming their potential as biomarkers. Expression and WGCNA analyses revealed group-specific lncRNAs for Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Group 3 (Gr3), and Group 4 (Gr4) MB. Lnc-SMARCA2 was exclusively upregulated in SHH MB, and associated with ATOH1 and PDLIM3, key cilium regulators of this group`s cell of origin. In Gr4 MB, MGC32805 and LOC107986446 were upregulated and linked to SNCAIP, potentially influencing PRDM6 activation via enhancer hijacking. Additionally, a five-lncRNA signature linked to phototransduction was exclusive to Gr3, offering insights into its lineage switch and molecular regulation. Conclusions Lnc-SMARCA2 and, MGC32805 and LOC107986446, are exclusively deregulated in SHH and Gr4 MB, respectively, and directly associated with group-specific MB oncogenes, representing promising novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in MB.
Estíbariz et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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