GlycoRNAs are abundant in glioma and involved in glioma cell proliferation

Recent studies have identified glycosylated RNAs (glycoRNAs) as a novel class of biomolecules potentially involved in cancers and immunological diseases. However, their presence and functional roles in glioma remain unexplored. GlycoRNAs were extracted from glioma cells and detected using Ac4ManNAz labeling and Northern blot. Small RNA deep sequencing and qRT-PCR were employed to determine RNA types and content. A sequence-specific RNA-capture magnetic bead system was developed to enrich specific glycoRNAs, such as U2 and U4. Glycan components were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. CCK-8, adhesion, ki67, TUNEL staining assays were used to evaluate cell viability, adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis. Glioma cells were found to be rich in glycoRNAs, predominantly small RNAs, with U2 and U4 being particularly abundant. These glycoRNAs primarily contained fucosylated and sialylated complex glycans. The depletion of cell-surface glycoRNAs at the observed time point significantly inhibited glioma cell viability and proliferation, without altering cell adhesion or apoptosis levels. This study underscored the significant role of glycoRNAs in glioma proliferation and provided a foundation for further research into their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for glioma. Glioma cells U87 and LN229 showed significant enrichment in glycoRNAs, predominantly small RNAs, with U2 and U4 being particularly abundant and specific. Furthermore, these glycoRNAs were found to be modified by multiple glycans, primarily complex, fucosylated, and sialylated structures.