Abstract 3456: RNA and microRNA analysis of diffused intrinsic pontine glioma specimens

Diffused intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is one of the most difficult pediatric cancers to treat. To date, there is only limited information on the molecular characteristics of this tumor because of the paucity of adequate tissue for investigation due to its inoperable location within the brainstem. In an attempt to uncover the pathogenesis of DIPG, we have generated comprehensive molecular profiles of coding and non-coding RNA species obtained from pediatric DIPG autopsy specimens. Coding and non-coding RNA species play an important role in oncogenesis. Micro RNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are the more recent non-coding RNA species that have been shown to play an essential role in cancer development and cancer biology. Our aim was to gain insight into the molecular underpinnings of DIPG by generating the complete miRNA and mRNA profiles of the tumor. Autopsy DIPG specimens were analyzed (n=3). Adjacent non-tumor areas were identified by a neuropathologist and used as controls. Total RNA was extracted and coding and non-coding small RNA were profiled using the Affymetrix platform. A total of 60 miRNA species were found to be dysregulated in DIPG tumor compared to adjacent normal section. Of these, 12 were known human micro RNAs. RNA species that showed to be dysregulated were further validated by RT-PCR (ABI platform). Furthermore, correlation analyses were done to assess expression levels of mRNAs and their corresponding miRs. Our preliminary data indicates specific dysregulation of micro RNA and RNA species that control cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Although preliminary, this is to our best knowledge, the first report of comprehensive RNA profiling of DIPG. Correlation of coding and non-coding RNA species observed here will require further validation. Understanding the molecular makeup of DIPG will provide insight into its pathogenesis and perhaps lead to the development of targeted therapeutics for this disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3456. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3456