Long Non-Coding RNAs in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs have been recently recognized as the hallmark features in various diseases. In hematopoiesis, they regulate development at almost every stage of cell lineage differentiation; therefore, abnormal expression of lncRNAs may lead to different hematopoietic disorders. Until now there has been almost no information available about lncRNA deregulation and role in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

We perform genome-wide screening of lncRNA levels in MDS patients and compare expression profiles between various risk groups of patients and healthy subjects, to find lncRNAs with altered levels in MDS. This knowledge will help us to better understand the pathogenesis of MDS and identify lncRNAs that may represent candidate diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers of the disease.