Temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma: a non-coding RNA viewpoint

As an imidazotetrazine derived from the alkylating substance dacarbazine, Temozolomide (TMZ) is commonly used as the routine chemotherapy for new cases of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). It substantially improves the clinical outcome of patients. But, resistance to TMZ is regarded as a principal impediment in the postgenomic years of GBM management. Recent investigations showed the critical roles of lncRNAs, miRNAs and circRNAs and their interactions in GBM treatment. Remarkably, several miRNAs, such as miR-125b, miR-30b-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-590, miR-125b, and miR-7-5p regulate activity of glioma stem cells. Besides, a number of miRNAs, namely miR-370-3p, miR-198, miR-486-3p, miR-29c, miR-130a, miR-181 d, miR-198, miR-182-5p and miR-370-3p regulate expression of the DNA repair protein MGMT. Most of lncRNAs and circRNAs exert their role on TMZ resistance through sponging miRNAs. Notably, these transcripts have revolutionized the understanding about GBM pathogenesis and application of personalized medicine for this cancer. This review concentrates on the importance of these transcripts in resistance to TMZ in GBM patients.