Insights into the regulatory role of the lncRNA H19 and miRNA-152 and their cross-talk with their target genes in glioblastoma

Abstract Background Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive subtype of glioma. The alteration of non-coding RNA (lncRNA H19 and microRNA-152) in glioblastoma tissues promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while the exact relationship with glioblastoma is still uncertain with their genes (PTEN, KRAS, and NDRG1). This study aimed to identify new potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and novel therapeutic targets. Methods In a descriptive cross-sectional study, we employed quantitative real-time PCR for expression of lncRNA H19, miRNA-152, and their target genes in 84 glioblastoma specimens compared to 35 control samples (low-grade glioma, astrocytic astrocytoma, normal brain tissues). Additionally, for differential expression profile, predictive significance, and survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival plot were used. Results The expression levels of lncRNA H19 and miR-152 were significantly altered in glioblastoma patients compared to those with low-grade glioma and normal brain tissues. Moreover, KRAS and NDRG1 showed significant upregulation in glioblastoma. It was demonstrated that lncRNA H19 has diagnostic values with AUC > 0.7 that differentiated glioblastoma from non-cancerous lesions and low-grade glioma. Nevertheless, KRAS and NDRG1 with AUC > 0.9 and > 0.8, respectively, distinguished between glioblastoma and all other comparative groups including non-cancerous lesions, low-grade glioma, and astrocytic astrocytoma. Furthermore, poor overall survival was observed with a median survival rate of 15 months. Conclusions The long non-coding RNA H19, along with KRAS and NDRG1, has shown promise as biomarkers for differentiating between glioblastoma, lower-grade glioma, and non-malignant lesions. Key points The expression levels of the lncRNA H19 and miR-152 were significantly altered in Glioblastoma patients compared to those with Low Grade Glioma and normal brain tissues. The lncRNA H19, along with the genes KRAS and NDRG1, have shown promise as biomarkers for differentiating between Glioblastoma, Low Grade Glioma, and normal brain tissues.