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Clinicopathological Analysis of miRNA Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues by Using miRNA In Situ Hybridization
Published on: June 7, 2016
MicroRNA-21 Expression in Primary Breast Cancer Tissue Among Egyptian Female Patients and its Correlation with
Noura Ramadan Abdel-Hamid1, Eman A Mohammed2, Ashraf H Abbas3
1Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Circular Road, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt. nour_genetics@yahoo.com.
Introduction:
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer amongst Egyptian women and worldwide. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), on chromosome 17q21.3, is one of the most up-regulated microRNAs in cancer that silences multiple target genes involved in cancer-signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between numerical aberrations of chromosome 17 and the miR-21 expression profile in BC tissues in female Egyptian patients.
Methods:
The study included 37 female patients with sporadic primary breast carcinoma, their age ranged from 31 to 65 years. Fresh breast tissue specimens were evaluated for miR-21 expression levels using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technology and cytogenetic fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis for chromosome 17 aneusomy.
Results:
miR-21 was up-regulated 12.9-fold in BC tissues compared with normal adjacent tissue. Over-expression was significantly associated with several clinico-pathologic characteristics; as higher tumor grade, more tumor size, advanced stage, and poor prognostic index. In addition, chromosome 17 monosomy and trisomy were observed in 21.6 and 5.4 % of BC patients, respectively. However, the large majority (73 %) of patients had heterogeneous cell populations. Chromosome 17 copy number heterogeneity in cell populations were significantly associated with advanced clinical stage and higher miR-21 expression profile in BC tissues.
Conclusion:
Chromosome 17 aneusomy and miR-21 expression are positively correlated and can potentially serve as prognostic markers in BC.
Insights
Breast cancer (BC) shows increased microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression and chromosome 17 abnormalities. These factors are linked, suggesting potential as prognostic markers for BC in Egyptian women.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cancer among Egyptian women and globally.
- MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), located on chromosome 17q21.3, is frequently overexpressed in cancers.
- miR-21 targets genes in crucial cancer-signaling pathways, influencing tumor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between numerical aberrations of chromosome 17 and miR-21 expression.
- To assess the potential of chromosome 17 aneusomy and miR-21 as prognostic markers in Egyptian female BC patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 37 female patients with primary breast carcinoma.
- Assessed miR-21 expression levels using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Analyzed chromosome 17 aneusomy via cytogenetic fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).
Main Results:
- miR-21 was significantly overexpressed (12.9-fold) in BC tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues.
- Overexpression correlated with higher tumor grade, larger tumor size, advanced stage, and poor prognostic index.
- Chromosome 17 monosomy (21.6%) and trisomy (5.4%) were observed; 73% showed heterogeneous cell populations.
- Chromosome 17 copy number heterogeneity was associated with advanced stage and higher miR-21 expression.
Conclusions:
- Chromosome 17 aneusomy and miR-21 expression are positively correlated in breast cancer.
- Both chromosome 17 numerical aberrations and miR-21 levels may serve as valuable prognostic markers for BC.
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