PhD defence: Stine Mary Vissing
Genome-Wide Characterization of Non-Coding RNAs in Pediatric Brain Tumors: Functional Insights and Clinical Potential
Info about event
Time
Location
Bartholin Auditorium (1241-135), Aarhus University
On Friday 30 October 2026 at 13:00, Stine Mary Vissing defends her PhD dissertation entitled “Genome-Wide Characterization of Non-Coding RNAs in Pediatric Brain Tumors: Functional Insights and Clinical Potential”.
Pediatric brain tumors are among the most common cancers in children and remain the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite advances in treatment, several tumor types are still associated with poor survival. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these tumors is therefore needed. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as potentially important players in cancer development. Their expression, biological functions, and potential clinical relevance in pediatric brain tumors have been investigated.
Pediatric brain tumors comprise a diverse group of diseases, many of which remain difficult to treat. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their development is essential for improving diagnosis and treatment.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but can regulate gene expression through various mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that they play important roles in cancer development and may have potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
This PhD project investigated the expression patterns and biological significance of lncRNAs in pediatric brain tumors using patient samples and experimental models. The aim was to improve our understanding of their involvement in these diseases and explore their potential clinical relevance.
One part of the project focused on ependymoma, a rare type of brain tumor in children. Analyses revealed altered lncRNA expression in these tumors and identified H19 as a potentially important regulator of cancer cell growth and survival. Furthermore, the DNA methylation status of the imprinting control region associated with H19 was linked to patient prognosis in a specific molecular subtype of ependymoma. Together, this research contributes to our understanding of the molecular biology of pediatric brain tumors and highlights lncRNAs as promising candidates for further investigation as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
The summary is written by the PhD student.
The defence is public and takes place in Bartholin Auditorium (1241-135), Aarhus University. Please see the press release for more information.
Contact
PhD student Stine Mary Vissing
Mail: smv@biomed.au.dk
Phone +45 29256066