Long non-coding RNA expression profile in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance

Researchers have recently demonstrated the key role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating embryogenesis and gene expression. However, the exact mechanism used by lncRNAs in carcinogenesis is still unclear. In particular, studies regarding the role of lncRNAs in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCCs) are limited. Using microarray analysis, the genome-wide expression profile of lncRNAs was investigated in four paired VSCCs and adjacent normal vulvar tissues. Accordingly, several novel lncRNA candidates (HOAIR, MALAT1, MEG3, NEAT1, MIR31HG and LINC00478) were chosen for further study and real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was used to confirm the expression levels among 35 tissue samples. A panel of dysregulated lncRNAs (MEG3 and MALAT1) were also identified as potential biomarkers as they also correlated with VSCC carcinogenesis. In summary, the results revealed that aberrantly expressed lncRNAs may be a factor in VSCC pathogenesis, potentially providing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for VSCC.