Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
10:19
MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells, Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS, and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Published on: June 24, 2014
11.9K
MicroRNA profiling in intraocular medulloepitheliomas
Deepak P Edward1, Hind Alkatan2, Qundeel Rafiq3
1King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Wilmer Eye Institute, John Hopkins University School Of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 26, 2015
Summary
MicroRNA (miRNA) profiles are significantly altered in intraocular medulloepithelioma (ME) tumors compared to normal tissue. These dysregulated miRNAs show similarities to those found in other cancers, impacting pathways like Toll-like receptor and NF-κB signaling.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Intraocular medulloepithelioma (ME) is a rare eye tumor.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various cancers.
- Understanding miRNA profiles in ME can provide insights into tumor development and potential therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles between intraocular medulloepithelioma (ME) tumors and normal ocular control tissues.
- To identify specific differentially expressed miRNAs in ME tumors.
Main Methods:
- Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) ME tumors (n=7) and age-matched ciliary body control tissues (n=8).
- MicroRNA profiles were analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA Arrays.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used for validation of significantly dysregulated miRNAs.
- Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed (DE) miRNA gene targets was performed using DIANA-miRPath v2.0 for KEGG pathway analysis.
Main Results:
- A total of 88 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 43 were downregulated in ME tumors (P<0.05).
- Validation confirmed dysregulation of specific miRNAs including miR-217, miR-216a, miR-216b, miR-146a, miR-509-3p, and miR-211.
- DE miRNAs in ME tumors showed altered expression patterns similar to those in retinoblastoma, glioblastoma, and human cartilage.
- Pathway analysis revealed associations of upregulated miRNAs with prion disease and cancer pathways.
- Downregulated miRNAs were significantly linked to Toll-like receptor (TLR) and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Intraocular ME tumors exhibit significantly dysregulated miRNA profiles.
- These aberrant miRNA profiles share commonalities with those observed in other cancers, including retinoblastoma and glioblastoma.
- The identified dysregulated pathways suggest potential roles in ME tumorigenesis and provide avenues for further research.
