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Updated: May 25, 2026
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
The microRNA expression changes associated with malignancy and SDHB mutation in pheochromocytoma
E Patterson1, R Webb, A Weisbrod
1Endocrine Oncology Section, NIH/NCI/Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Hatfield Clinical Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Abstract:
Currently, the diagnosis of malignant pheochromocytoma can only be made when there is clinical evidence of metastasis or extensive local invasion. Thus, there is a need for new diagnostic marker(s) to identify tumors with malignant potential. The purpose of this study was to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas and assess their diagnostic accuracy. Toward this aim, we analyzed miRNA expression in benign and malignant pheochromocytoma tumor samples using whole genome microarray profiling. Microarray analysis identified eight miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas. We measured a subset of these miRNAs directly by RT-PCR and found that miR-483-5p, miR-183, and miR-101 had significantly higher expression in malignant tumors as compared to their benign counterparts. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) analysis indicated that miR-483-5p, miR-101, and miR-183 could be useful diagnostic markers for distinguishing malignant from benign pheochromocytomas. In addition, these miRNAs could be detected in pheochromocytoma patient serum. Overall our data suggest that misexpression of miR-483-5p, miR-101, and miR-183 is associated with malignant pheochromocytoma.
Insights
New diagnostic markers for malignant pheochromocytoma are needed. This study identified specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumors and serum that show higher expression in malignant pheochromocytomas, suggesting their potential as diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Malignant pheochromocytoma diagnosis currently relies on metastasis or local invasion.
- There is a critical need for novel biomarkers to identify tumors with malignant potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) differentially expressed between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of identified miRNAs for distinguishing malignant from benign tumors.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome microarray profiling was used to analyze miRNA expression in pheochromocytoma samples.
- Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to validate miRNA expression levels.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess diagnostic accuracy.
Main Results:
- Eight miRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas.
- miR-483-5p, miR-183, and miR-101 showed significantly higher expression in malignant tumors.
- These miRNAs were also detectable in patient serum samples.
Conclusions:
- The identified miRNAs (miR-483-5p, miR-101, and miR-183) show potential as diagnostic markers for malignant pheochromocytoma.
- Misexpression of these specific miRNAs is associated with the malignancy of pheochromocytoma.
- Serum detection of these miRNAs offers a promising avenue for non-invasive diagnosis.
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