miR-217-casein kinase-2 cross talk regulates ERK activation in ganglioglioma.

Gangliogliomas (GGs) are the most commonly diagnosed long-term epilepsy-associated tumors (LEATs). Although molecular characterizations of brain tumors have identified few novel biomarkers among the LEATs, mechanisms of pathogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, global microarray-based microRNA (miRNA) expression profile on a set of 9 GGs indicated 66 miRNAs to be differentially expressed in GG as compared to normal brain. The differences validated by qRT-PCR indicated microRNA-217 to be the most downregulated. Through insilico analysis, ERK1/2 and casein kinase (CK-2α) were predicted to be miR-217 regulated. As decreased miR-217 expression was concomitant with upregulated ERK1/2 and CK-2α levels in GG; the interplay between these molecules was investigated in primary human neural precursor cells to mimic the glioneuronal characteristics of these tumors. miR-217 over-expression-mediated decrease in pERK, CK-2α, and mGluR1 levels was accompanied with increase in glycogen accumulation. Importantly, increase in miR-217 levels upon CK-2α inhibition indicated inverse correlation between the two. Inhibition of CK-2α also decreased ERK and mGluR1 levels. By demonstrating, for the first time, the existence of miR-217-CK-2 cross talk and its effects on known epileptogenic factors, these findings provide a unique insight into the pathogenesis of ganglioglioma. By highlighting the role of CK-2 in affecting miR-217/ERK/mGluR1 interplay, this study suggests that targeting CK-2 may afford a novel strategy aimed at LEATs. KEY MESSAGES: Global microarray of ganglioglioma indicates downregulation of miR-217. Decreased miR-217 expression is concomitant with elevated CK-2α and Erk levels. Inverse correlation between miR-217 and CK-2α in primary human neural precursors. miR-217 agomir or CK-2α inhibition decreases pERK and mGluR1 levels. CK-2α affects miR-217/ERK/mGluR1 interplay in long-term epilepsy-associated tumors.