Poster Presentation 45th Lorne Genome Conference 2024

Exploring the role of miRNAs in the development of neuroblastoma (#135)

Fakhira Nazki 1 , Greg J Goodall 1 2 , Yeesim Khew-Goodall 1 2 , Cameron P Bracken 1 2
  1. University of South Australia, Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, Australia
  2. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common childhood cancer that accounts for approximately 6-10% of all paediatric cancers and is responsible for 40% of cancer diagnoses in children under one year of age. The genetic landscape of NB is still not completely understood. However, like most childhood cancers they are characterized by few point mutations but a significant number of copy number changes and chromosomal aberrations that result in an altered gene expression. MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression and have been shown to play a crucial role in various cellular processes and cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, it is likely that studying miRNAs may provide novel insights into the development of NB and in identifying potential therapeutic targets. Using extensive sequencing data, we have identified specific miRNAs and their target transcription factors that show a unique pattern in relation to NB development. We hypothesize that these miRNAs exert a strong influence on the disease by modulating the expression of transcription factors that are critical for the growth and development of NB tumours. By experimentally modifying miRNA levels, we aim to observe and analyse the resultant cellular responses in NB. Ultimately, this research seeks to confirm the significant role of miRNAs in NB and evaluate their prospects as biomarkers or therapeutic agents in the fight against this childhood cancer.