Construction and comprehensive analysis of a competitive endogenous RNA network to reveal potential biomarkers for the malignant differentiation of glioma

HOTAIR expression as a biomarker in glioblastoma multiforme: a comprehensive meta-analysis of current evidence

PURPOSE

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor. This meta-analysis investigates the association between HOTAIR expression levels and GBM.

METHODS

We searched the literature for studies on HOTAIR expression in GBM patients. A meta-analysis of nine studies assessed standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sample source, country, and study design. Additionally, we conducted meta-regression and publication bias analyses.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis found a significant positive association between elevated HOTAIR expression and GBM (SMD = 8.3, 95% CI 5.8-10.8, p = 0.00). Considerable heterogeneity was observed (Q-value: 1174.2, df = 9, I2 = 99.2%, p = 0.00). Subgroup analyses indicated significant associations in tissue samples and studies from the USA and China. Meta-regression revealed that study design and country contributed to the observed heterogeneity, with no significant publication bias detected.

CONCLUSION

This analysis confirms the significant link between HOTAIR expression and GBM, highlighting HOTAIR as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker. Further research is necessary to clarify the biological mechanisms involved in this association.

LncRNA HOXA10-AS as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in human cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulatory molecules that participate in numerous cellular development processes, and they have gathered much interest recently. HOXA10 antisense RNA (HOXA10-AS, also known as HOXA-AS4) is a novel lncRNA that was identified to be dysregulated in some prevalent malignancies. In this review, the clinical significance of HOXA10-AS for the prognosis of various cancers is analyzed. In addition, the major advances in our understanding of the cellular biological functions and mechanisms of HOXA10-AS in different human cancers are summarized. These cancers include esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), gastric cancer (GC), glioma, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and pancreatic cancer. We also note that the aberrant expression of HOXA10-AS promotes malignant progression through various underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, HOXA10-AS is expected to serve as an ideal clinical biomarker and an effective cancer therapy target.

Roles of HOTAIR Long Non-coding RNA in Gliomas and Other CNS Disorders

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) which is increasingly being perceived as a tremendous molecular mediator of brain pathophysiology at multiple levels. Epigenetic regulation of target gene expression carried out by HOTAIR is thorough modulation of chromatin modifiers; histone methyltransferase polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and histone demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). Incidentally, HOTAIR was the first lncRNA shown to elicit sponging of specific microRNA (miRNA or miR) species in a trans-acting manner. It has been extensively studied in various cancers, including gliomas and is regarded as a prominent pro-tumorigenic and pro-oncogenic lncRNA. Indeed, the expression of HOTAIR may serve as glioma grade predictor and prognostic biomarker. The objective of this timely review is not only to outline the multifaceted pathogenic roles of HOTAIR in the development and pathophysiology of gliomas and brain cancers, but also to delineate the research findings implicating it as a critical regulator of overall brain pathophysiology. While the major focus is on neuro-oncology, wherein HOTAIR represents a particularly potent underlying pathogenic player and a suitable therapeutic target, mechanisms underlying the regulatory actions of HOTAIR in neurodegeneration, traumatic, hypoxic and ischemic brain injuries, and neuropsychiatric disorders are also presented.