Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
The circulating microRNA-221 level in patients with malignant melanoma as a new tumor marker
Hisashi Kanemaru1, Satoshi Fukushima, Junji Yamashita
1Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan.
Background:
MicroRNA-221 (miR-221) is known to be abnormally expressed in malignant melanoma (MM) cells, and it favors the induction of the malignant phenotype through down-modulation of p27Kip1/CDKN1B and the c-KIT receptor. This suggests that the serum level of miR-221 might increase in patients with MM and thus could be used as a new tumor marker.
Objective:
To evaluate the possibility that the serum miR-221 level can be a marker of MM.
Methods:
Serum samples were obtained from 94 MM patients and 20 healthy controls. MicroRNAs were purified from serum, and miR-221 levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Circulating miR-221 was detectable and could be quantified in serum samples. MM patients had significantly higher miR-221 levels than healthy controls. Among the MM patients, the miR-221 levels were significantly increased in patients with stage I-IV MM compared to those with MM in situ, and the levels were correlated with tumor thickness. Moreover, a longitudinal study revealed a tendency for the miR-221 levels to decrease after surgical removal of the primary tumor, and to increase again at recurrence.
Conclusions:
Serum levels of miR-221 were significantly increased in MM patients and may be useful not only for the diagnosis of MM, but also for the differentiating MM in situ from stage I-IV MM, and for evaluating tumor progression and monitoring patients during the follow-up period. In addition, considering that the serum levels of miR-221 were correlated with tumor thickness, miR-221 might also be useful as a prognostic marker for patients with MM.
Insights
Serum microRNA-221 (miR-221) levels are elevated in malignant melanoma (MM) patients. This finding suggests miR-221 can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for MM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- MicroRNA-221 (miR-221) is dysregulated in malignant melanoma (MM) cells.
- miR-221 influences melanoma malignancy by down-regulating p27Kip1 and c-KIT.
- Elevated serum miR-221 may indicate MM presence and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum miR-221 as a potential biomarker for MM.
- To assess the correlation of serum miR-221 with MM stage and tumor thickness.
- To evaluate miR-221's utility in monitoring MM during follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure miR-221 levels.
- Serum samples were collected from 94 MM patients and 20 healthy controls.
- Longitudinal monitoring of miR-221 levels was performed in relation to treatment and recurrence.
Main Results:
- Serum miR-221 levels were significantly higher in MM patients compared to controls.
- miR-221 levels increased with MM stage (in situ vs. I-IV) and correlated with tumor thickness.
- Post-surgical decrease and recurrence-associated increase in miR-221 levels were observed.
Conclusions:
- Serum miR-221 is a promising biomarker for MM diagnosis.
- miR-221 can differentiate between MM stages and assess tumor progression.
- miR-221 serves as a valuable tool for patient monitoring and prognosis in MM.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
01:22MicroRNAs