NF-YC in glioma cell proliferation and tumor growth and its role as an independent predictor of patient survival

Gliomas are tumors affecting the central nervous system and affecting approximately 7/10,000 people with the median survival of only 14.6 months. As such, there is a need to uncover and explore alternative targets and pathways of gliomagenesis as well as a need to develop early and effective predictive markers of the disease. In this study we utilized a wide range of patient glioma sections to assess the characteristic expression of NF-YC and investigate whether NF-YC could serve as an independent predictor of patient survival. Additionally, an in vitro glioma model of manipulated NF-YC was used to investigate NF-YC's role in the glioma growth process and ultimately validated in an animal model of tumor growth. Here, we present evidence of the NF-YC subunit of the NF-Y transcription factor complex as an independent prognostic maker for glioma patient survival. We also describe that NF-YC is positively correlated with a universal marker of cellular proliferation. Mechanistic investigation into the role of NF-YC in gliomagenesis showed that NF-YC plays a role in cell cycle progression through the inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. Finally, NF-YC plays a role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition preceding metastasis. We propose a novel target of glioma cell proliferation, growth and metastasis. Additionally, we identify NF-YC as a novel and independent predictor of patient survival to be subsequently trialed.