Abstract C099: The Long non-coding RNA CD2BP2-DT enhances cell cycle progression and promotes cancer cell growth via regulation of MAPK8IP2 expression

Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators of many cellular processes including cell cycle and cancer progression. This study investigates the nuclear lncRNA CD2BP2-DT and its role in cell cycle transitions and proliferation of cancer cells. CD2BP2-DT expression peaks in late G1, preceding the G1/S transition. Silencing CD2BP2-DT accelerates progression from G1 to S phase and increases proliferation rates in Osteosarcoma and Lung cancer derived cell lines. RNA-seq analysis identifies MAPK8IP2 as a key downstream target, with elevated expression following CD2BP2-DT silencing. Rescue experiments confirm that MAPK8IP2 mediates the proliferative response to CD2BP2-DT knockdown, as its knockdown restores normal growth in CD2BP2-DT-depleted cells. Furthermore, reduced CD2BP2-DT expression correlates with poorer survival outcomes in sarcoma patients. These findings position CD2BP2-DT as a regulator of cell cycle dynamics and cancer cell proliferation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer. Citation Format: Tchelet Bushari, Doron Ginsberg. The Long non-coding RNA CD2BP2-DT enhances cell cycle progression and promotes cancer cell growth via regulation of MAPK8IP2 expression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2025 Oct 22-26; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2025;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C099.