DICER governs characteristics of glioma stem cells and the resulting tumors in xenograft mouse models of glioblastoma

Mansouri S., Singh S., Alamsahebpour A., Burrell K., Li M., Karabork M., ...More

ONCOTARGET, vol.7, no.35, pp.56431-56446, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 7 Issue: 35
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.18632/oncotarget.10570
  • Journal Name: ONCOTARGET
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.56431-56446
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The RNAse III endonuclease DICER is a key regulator of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and is frequently decreased in a variety of malignancies. We characterized the role of DICER in glioblastoma (GB), specifically demonstrating its effects on the ability of glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) to form tumors in a mouse model of GB. DICER silencing in GSCs reduced their stem cell characteristics, while tumors arising from these cells were more aggressive, larger in volume, and displayed a higher proliferation index and lineage differentiation. The resulting tumors, however, were more sensitive to radiation treatment. Our results demonstrate that DICER silencing enhances the tumorigenic potential of GSCs, providing a platform for analysis of specific relevant miRNAs and development of potentially novel therapies against GB.