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Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
MicroRNA-139-3p indicates a poor prognosis of colon cancer
Xiaojing Liu1, Bensong Duan2, Yuanyuan Dong3
1Department of Oncology, Subei People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and are involved in almost biological procession. Recently, miR-139-5p has been reported to be downregulated in some types of cancer, and inhibits cancer cell invasion and metastasis. However, there are few reports on the role of miR-139-3p in cancer. In this study, we examined the expression level of miR-139-3p in 63 pairs of colon cancer and adjacent paracancerous tissues using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The levels of miR-139-3p in colon cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in adjacent noncancerous tissues. There was an inverse correlation between the level of miR-139-3p and patient's age. Lower level of miR-139-3p was significantly associated with poor overall survival, especially in patients with TNM stages I and II. In conclusion, miR-139-3p has potential as a prognostic biomarker for colon cancer. Further prospective studies are required to validate this result.
Insights
MicroRNA-139-3p (miR-139-3p) is downregulated in colon cancer tissues. Lower miR-139-3p levels correlate with poorer survival, suggesting its potential as a colon cancer prognostic biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and biological processes.
- miR-139-5p is implicated in cancer, but miR-139-3p's role is less understood.
- Colon cancer remains a significant global health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miR-139-3p in colon cancer.
- To determine the correlation between miR-139-3p levels and clinicopathological features.
- To evaluate miR-139-3p as a potential prognostic biomarker for colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure miR-139-3p expression.
- Expression levels were analyzed in 63 pairs of colon cancer and adjacent noncancerous tissues.
- Statistical analysis was performed to correlate miR-139-3p levels with patient age, TNM stage, and overall survival.
Main Results:
- miR-139-3p expression was significantly lower in colon cancer tissues compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between miR-139-3p levels and patient age.
- Lower miR-139-3p levels were strongly associated with poor overall survival, particularly in early-stage (TNM I and II) patients.
Conclusions:
- miR-139-3p is downregulated in colon cancer.
- miR-139-3p may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for colon cancer.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings.
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