Title: Epigenetic regulation of long non-coding RNA in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs)

By: Rajendra Pangeni, PhD

Assistant Professor of Genomics

Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine,

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine,

Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA

ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumors, with a median survival of only 15 months. Despite the current treatments, such as surgery and chemo-and radiation therapies, the clinical outcome of patients remains very dismal. GBM tumors are extremely heterogeneous, and the role of Glioma Stem cells (GSCs) contributes to treatment resistance and tumor aggressiveness. Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in GBM and GSCs. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding genes that are emerging as key modulators of tumor progression and therapy resistance. The goal of our study is to uncover novel therapeutic lncRNA targets that disrupt tumor growth and improve treatment outcomes in patients. 

This presentation explores the intricate mechanisms of lncRNA methylation, highlighting its contribution to transcriptional dysregulation, stemness, and patients’ survival in GBM.

BIO: Dr. Rajendra Pangeni is an Assistant Genomics Professor at Nova Southeastern University. Before joining this position, he completed his PhD in molecular oncology from the University of Wolverhampton, UK. He received his post-doctoral training from Northwestern University Chicago and City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California. During his post-doctoral work, Dr. Pangeni worked on glioblastoma (one of the most aggressive brain tumors) and non-small cell lung cancer using genome-wide DNA methylation array, RNA sequencing, stem cells, mouse models, and other genetic and epigenetics approaches.

At Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Pangeni is working on identifying genes that could be used as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in Glioblastoma, Gulf War illness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and other genetic/epigenetic diseases. He uses single-cell transcriptomics, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, and other state-of-the-art technologies and laboratory approaches.

Light refreshments will be provided.