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MicroRNA alterations and associated aberrant DNA methylation patterns across multiple sample types in oral squamous

Erik D Wiklund1, Shan Gao, Toby Hulf

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.

Plos One
|December 2, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation and DNA methylation changes are common in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Specific miRNA signatures in oral fluids may aid in clinical detection of OSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation is observed in various cancers, yet its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requires further investigation.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms are known regulators of miRNA genes across tissues, prompting a focus on their involvement in OSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate miRNA expression alterations and associated DNA methylation changes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To explore the potential of miRNA signatures in oral fluids as biomarkers for OSCC detection.

Main Methods:

  • Profiling miRNA expression using qRT-PCR arrays and individual assays in OSCC tumors and matched adjacent tissues.
  • Assessing DNA methylation of candidate miRNA genes via MassArray® mass spectrometry.
  • Analyzing miRNA expression and methylation in oral cancer stem cells (CSCs) and oral rinse/saliva samples.

Main Results:

  • MiRNA expression patterns differed significantly between healthy oral tissues and OSCC samples.
  • Specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-375, miR-127, miR-137, miR-200 family, miR-205) showed significant epigenetic alterations in OSCC.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression and methylation in oral rinse and saliva could distinguish OSCC patients from healthy volunteers.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNA expression and DNA methylation changes are prevalent in OSCC.
  • miR-375, miR-127, miR-137, the miR-200 family, and miR-205 are identified as promising targets for further research in OSCC.
  • Suppression of miR-200/miR-205 in oral CSCs suggests a role in tumor progression, while their presence in oral fluids indicates potential diagnostic utility.

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