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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Differential expression of miRNAs in papillary thyroid carcinoma compared to multinodular goiter using formalin fixed
Michael T Tetzlaff1, Aihua Liu, Xiaowei Xu
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital for the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 7 Founders Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19040, USA. tetzlafm@uphs.upenn.edu
Abstract:
microRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22 nt RNAs that negatively regulate target gene expression. Their dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of human cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Whereas previous studies using microarray technologies have largely relied on the ability to procure fresh tissue at the time of surgery to characterize miRNA signatures in PTC, we exploited the ability to procure sufficient miRNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue to describe a series of miRNAs whose expression is dysregulated in PTC compared to benign proliferative multinodular goiter (MNG). We identified 13 miRNAs upregulated and 26 miRNAs downregulated in PTC versus MNG. These include miRNA-21, miRNA-31, miRNA-221, and miRNA-222. Their dysregulation was further validated by real time RT-PCR analysis in an independent set of FFPE tissues. Many of these have previously been described in fresh tissue studies as altered in PTC, confirming the utility of this approach. These results further highlight the applicability of miRNA expression patterns as potential markers of human cancer, and our results suggest that FFPE tissues are suitable resources for such miRNA expression analyses. The ability to utilize FFPE tissue in the molecular characterization of human malignancy will unlock a rich resource for future cancer studies.
Insights
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression is altered in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are suitable for analyzing these miRNA signatures, offering a valuable resource for cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
- miRNA dysregulation is linked to human cancer development, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
- Previous miRNA profiling in PTC often required fresh tissues, limiting sample availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize miRNA expression profiles in PTC using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.
- To compare miRNA dysregulation in PTC versus benign multinodular goiter (MNG).
- To validate the utility of FFPE tissues for miRNA expression analysis in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Procurement of miRNA from FFPE tissues.
- Microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between PTC and MNG.
- Real-time RT-PCR validation of selected miRNA dysregulation in independent FFPE samples.
Main Results:
- Identified 13 upregulated and 26 downregulated miRNAs in PTC compared to MNG.
- Key dysregulated miRNAs include miRNA-21, miRNA-31, miRNA-221, and miRNA-222.
- Validation confirmed miRNA alterations in an independent set of FFPE tissues, consistent with fresh tissue findings.
Conclusions:
- FFPE tissues are a viable and valuable resource for miRNA expression profiling in PTC.
- miRNA expression patterns can serve as potential biomarkers for human cancers.
- This approach expands the utility of archived FFPE tissues for molecular cancer studies.
