Identification of lncRNA-modulated MYCN Regulatory Networks in Neuroblastoma

Amplification of MYCN is the most important prognostic marker in neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Understanding the MYCN regulatory networks in neuroblastoma can gain insights into not only the mechanisms of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis, but also the development of therapeutic strategy. In recent years, a great number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are identified due to the advances in the sequencing techniques, and these lncRNAs participate in various biological processes by functioning as epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulators. Therefore, the interplay between MYCN and lncRNAs might be crucial mechanisms in neuroblastoma cells. In additional, many studies suggest that lncRNAs offer several advantages as therapeutic targets. In this study, we employed computational approaches to identify 68 candidate lncRNAs as a modulator in MYCN-regulatory networks. These lncRNAs not only interact with MYCN with a high level of confidence but also have the survival synergistic effect which may promote the risk of death. These lncRNAs might regulate genes which involve in cell death and cell cycle arrest. This work provides information about the lncRNAs in MYCN regulations, as well as insights into the mechanism of MYCN-driven tumorigenesis.