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Updated: May 23, 2026
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
[microRNAs as biological indicators of environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos]
Claudio Minoia1, Elena Sturchio, Benedetta Porro
1Laboratorio di Misure Ambientali e Tossicologiche, "Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri", IRCCS, Pavia, Italy. claudio.minoia@fsm.it
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer refractory to current therapies, the incidence of which is expected to rise in the next decades. Exposure to asbestos is a well known risk factor, as InternationalAgency for Research and Cancer (IARC) classified this compound as group I (carcinogenic to humans). The lack of tumor biomarkers for diagnosis and medical survey plays a fundamental role for the development of a universally accepted therapeutic approach. In this review we evaluated the mechanism of asbestos carcinogenesis by analyzing activated oncogenes, genetic predisposition, and SV40 infection as cofactors. Therefore, interest has focused on microRNAs, 19-25 nucleotide-long single-stranded RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by modulating translational efficiency of target genes involved in numerous cellular processes including development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and stress response. The analysis revealed a differential expression of miRNAs between mesothelioma and mesothelial cells, suggesting their potential role as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in mesothelioma oncogenesis. We have also investigated the role of polymorphism in the etiology and pathogenesis of mesothelioma, in order to evaluate the association between disease linked to asbestos exposure andgenetic variability. The identification of dysregulated miRNAs or frequent genetic polymorphisms as potential diagnostic biomarkers or as prognostic factors for malignant mesothelioma could facilitate the surveillance procedure of subjects exposed to asbestos.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos, lacks diagnostic biomarkers. This review explores microRNAs and genetic variations as potential biomarkers for early detection and improved surveillance in asbestos-exposed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with rising incidence, strongly linked to asbestos exposure (IARC Group 1 carcinogen).
- Current therapeutic approaches are limited, and a lack of reliable diagnostic and surveillance biomarkers hinders effective management.
- Understanding the mechanisms of asbestos carcinogenesis is crucial for developing novel strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of asbestos-induced carcinogenesis.
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and genetic polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma.
- To evaluate the association between genetic variability and asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review analyzing oncogene activation, genetic predisposition, and SV40 infection in mesothelioma.
- Examination of differential microRNA expression between mesothelioma and normal mesothelial cells.
- Investigation of genetic polymorphisms in relation to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma etiology.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs exhibit differential expression in mesothelioma, suggesting roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.
- Genetic polymorphisms may influence susceptibility and pathogenesis of asbestos-related mesothelioma.
- Identifying specific miRNAs and polymorphisms could aid in early diagnosis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs and genetic polymorphisms represent promising avenues for developing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma.
- These biomarkers could significantly improve surveillance protocols for individuals with asbestos exposure.
- Further research into these molecular factors is warranted to combat this aggressive cancer.
