Silencing of the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 suppresses glioma stem-like properties through modulation of the miR-107/CDK6 pathway.

Developing novel strategies against glioma remains a significant challenge. Long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) significantly contributes to the progression of many human cancers, while glioma stem cells (GSCs) are believed to be responsible for tumor progression. However, whether NEAT1 alters the stem-like properties of GSC cells remains unknown. Using microbeads, CD133+ cells were isolated and were found to possess glioma stem cell properties. Using siRNA, NEAT1 was knocked down in the sorted CD133+ U87 glioma cells. We found higher NEAT1 RNA expression in CD133+ human glioma primary culture stem cells and CD133+ U87 cells via RT-PCR. Moreover, NEAT1 knockdown in the CD133+ U87 cells resulted in decreased colony formation, increased G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, these effects were accompanied by miR-107 activation and inactivation of CDK6 protein. These results strongly suggest that NEAT1 knockdown suppresses stem-like properties in glioma cells by modulating the miR‑107CDK6 pathway. Targeting NEAT1 may provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for developing a relapse-free treatment of glioma patients.