Linc-NeD125 establishes a ceRNA network in Group 4 Medulloblastoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regarded as crucial regulators of cellular processes in Eukaryotes. About 40% of currently characterized lncRNAs are specifically expressed in central nervous system, where they are involved in critical neural functions. Consistently, lncRNA aberrant expression is associated to neurological disorders. We recently identified a novel human lncRNA, linc-NeD125, that is induced in response to neuronal differentiation stimulus both in tumour cell lines and in embryonic stem cells. Notably, linc-Ned125 is significantly upregulated in a specific and still largely uncharacterized subgroup (Group 4) of Medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. Combining mechanistic and functional studies, we unveiled a novel lncRNA-mediated miRNA sponge regulatory network, in which the cross-talk among linc-NeD125, microRNAs and four Group 4 MB driver gene transcripts may significantly contribute to Group 4 MB cancerogenesis.