The significance of the lncRNA gene group in ovarian cancer progression

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive and unfavorable forms of cancer in women with rapid progression and high metastatic potential. A key role in the development of this disease may be played by a disruption in the epigenetic regulation of the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) due to aberrant methylation of their genes.

Objective: To study the methylation and expression patterns of the lncRNA genes GAS5, HOTAIR, and SNHG6 in ovarian cancer tumors and evaluate the association of these epigenetic abnormalities with disease progression and metastasis.

Methods: Analysis of lncRNA methylation and expression levels was performed by RT-PCR on paired (tumor/normal) samples obtained from ovarian cancer patients. Statistical and correlation analysis was performed in the R software environment.

Results: A significant increase in the methylation level of the GAS5, HOTAIR, and SNHG6 genes was observed in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. The same result was shown for the GAS5 and SNHG6 genes during tumor progression, including metastasis. The expression level for HOTAIR and SNHG6 was significantly decreased in the tumor. A negative correlation was found between the methylation level of the SNHG6 gene and its expression level.

Conclusion: The obtained data indicate an important role of epigenetic deregulation of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer and may find application in predicting and developing personalized approaches to therapy.