Downregulation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells correlates with rDNA promoter hypermethylation

Neha Priyadarshini; Navinchandra Venkatarama Puppala; Jayasree Peroth Jayaprakash; Piyush Khandelia; Vivek Sharma; Gireesha Mohannath

doi:10.1016/j.gene.2023.147793

Downregulation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells correlates with rDNA promoter hypermethylation

Gene. 2023 Dec 20:888:147793. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147793. Epub 2023 Sep 9.

Authors

Neha Priyadarshini¹, Navinchandra Venkatarama Puppala², Jayasree Peroth Jayaprakash³, Piyush Khandelia⁴, Vivek Sharma⁵, Gireesha Mohannath⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: p20180001@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.
² Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: f20160671h@alumni.bits-pilani.ac.in.
³ Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: p20200400@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.
⁴ Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: piyush.khandelia@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.
⁵ Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: viveksharma@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.
⁶ Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: gireesha@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.

PMID: 37696422
DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147793

Abstract

Eukaryotes carry hundreds of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes as tandem arrays, which generate rRNA for protein synthesis. Humans carry ∼ 400 rRNA gene copies and their expression is epigenetically regulated. Dysregulation of rRNA synthesis and ribosome biogenesis are characteristic features of cancers. Targeting aberrant rRNA expression for cancer therapy is being explored. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is among the most prevalent cancers globally. Using quantitative PCR and bisulfite sequencing, we show that rRNA genes are downregulated and their promoters are hypermethylated in HNSCC cell lines. These findings may have relevance for prognosis and diagnosis of HNSCC.

Keywords: Cancer; DNA methylation; Gene regulation; Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes.

MeSH terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
Cell Line, Tumor
DNA Methylation
DNA, Ribosomal / metabolism
Down-Regulation
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
Head and Neck Neoplasms* / genetics
Humans
RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / genetics

Substances

DNA, Ribosomal
RNA, Ribosomal