Although long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research has experienced a tremendous boost since the
discovery of this class of RNA species, lncRNA activity and functionality are still poorly understood.
Our comprehension of cellular regulatory mechanisms and processes in health and disease is
expected to be profoundly impacted by the elucidation of lncRNA functionality and to contribute significantly towards the development of more specific anti-cancer therapies. My project proposal aims to identify cancer related lncRNAs in the network surrounding TP53, one of the most important tumor suppressor proteins kept inactive by non-mutational mechanisms in neuroblastoma, a deadly form of childhood cancer. By revealing lncRNAs important in this deregulated tumor suppressive network, underlying mechanism associated with tumor initiation and immune evasion might ultimately result in the development of new anti-cancer therapy strategies.