Files and links (1)
Kadam_Roshni_2024995.89 kB
PDF Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 30 Sep 2026
Thesis
Investigating the functional role of highly structured regions in lncRNA SChLAP1 using CRISPR/Cas-based deletion analysis
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jul 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010555
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of gene expression, with their dysregulation often contributing to tumor progression. In prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men, lncRNAs are known to promote castration resistance, cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. One such lncRNA, SChLAP1, is notably overexpressed in aggressive prostate cancer and significantly enhances cancer cell invasiveness. Studies have demonstrated that knockdown of SChLAP1 can reduce cancer cell invasion both in vitro and in vivo. The knockdown of SChLAP1 has also been associated with decreased tumor invasiveness and metastasis, making it a potential target for cancer therapy. Despite its role in promoting cancer, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying SChLAP1's function remain unclear. Recent research highlights that the unique sequences and structural features of lncRNAs are closely tied to their regulatory activities. Our investigation focused on the repeat regions in exon 1 of SChLAP1, where we identified two distinct 25-bp repeat regions at the 5' end. This discovery is significant because repeat regions, as observed in the well-studied lncRNA XIST, can facilitate diverse interactions and functions, thereby contributing to the overall functionality of the lncRNA. We hypothesize that the repeat regions in SChLAP1 may hold similar functional significance. To explore this, we used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion to investigate the functional role of these repeat regions. Future studies will involve optimizing CRISPR/Cas-based deletions to generate pure deletion clones via FACS (Fluorescence-activated cell sorting) and creating SChLAP1 exon 1-deleted cell lines. These efforts aim to elucidate the role of SChLAP1 in regulating gene expression and its potential impact on prostate cancer progression.
Metrics
35 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Investigating the functional role of highly structured regions in lncRNA SChLAP1 using CRISPR/Cas-based deletion analysis
- Creators
- Roshni Nagesh Kadam
- Contributors
- Srinivas Somarowthu (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 59 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; College of Medicine; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021899615004721