MicroRNA-mediated regulation of cell growth, survival, and signaling in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of cell growth, survival, and signaling in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer in which a small number of tumor cells survive within a large network of surrounding healthy cells. These tumor cells depend on signaling pathways that regulate their growth and survival, particularly NF-κB and JAK–STAT signaling.

In this thesis, Roza Cengiz investigated how microRNAs contribute to these processes. MicroRNAs are small molecules that regulate gene expression and can influence multiple cellular pathways at the same time.

Using functional screening approaches, including microRNA overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens, I studied the role of microRNAs in Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. This made it possible to identify microRNAs that influence cell growth, as well as microRNAs that are associated with cellular responses under altered signaling conditions.

The results indicate that microRNAs contribute to cell growth, immune-related phenotypes, and survival in a context-dependent manner. Some microRNAs are associated with baseline cellular fitness, while others are linked to cellular responses under reduced NF-κB activity.

These findings contribute to a better understanding of how microRNAs are involved in the regulation of signaling networks in Hodgkin lymphoma cells and provide a basis for further research.