Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs Influence on Glioblastoma Development

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial factors in the physiological development of an organism, regulating gene expression by binding to specific proteins, microRNAs, and genomic regions. Consequently, an imbalance in lncRNA activation has global implications and can lead to serious consequences, such as the development of malignancies. In evolution, the most important sources of formation and changes in lncRNA genes were transposable elements (TEs), which play a significant role in the carcinogenesis of one of the most aggressive and incurable brain tumors – glioblastoma. According to numerous studies, increased expression of TEs, which are involved in carcinogenesis, is detected in glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. Since most lncRNA gene regulatory sequences originate from TEs, it has been hypothesized that pathological activation of TEs also contributes to glioblastoma development by altering lncRNA expression. Indeed, lncRNAs involved in glioblastoma development interact with TE-derived microRNAs, supporting this hypothesis. This review describes the mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence glioblastoma pathogenesis, their relationship with TEs involved in this tumor, and with TE-derived microRNAs. The data obtained may form the basis for new methods of glioblastoma diagnosing and treating.