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An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Published on: March 30, 2018
Circulating Epstein-Barr virus-encoded micro-RNAs as potential biomarkers for nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Yuki Komabayashi1, Kan Kishibe1, Toshihiro Nagato1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancy and is characterized by local invasion and widespread dissemination, with a consequent poor prognosis. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play roles in the pathogenesis of several malignancies by regulating gene expression and have been recently identified as stable entities in serum. Here, we investigated the value of circulating EBV-miRNAs as biomarkers for NNKTL. Sera of patients with NNKTL were subjected to miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-array analysis, after which serum EBV-miRNA levels were verified using quantitative PCR. The latter analysis revealed high miR-BART2-5p, miR-BART7-3p, miR-BART13-3p, and miR-BART1-5p expression levels in sera of patients with NNKTL and indicated accurate values for discriminating patients with NNKTL from healthy controls. Levels of these 4 EBV-miRNAs, which were secreted from NNKTL cells, significantly decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment. Furthermore, a high circulating miR-BART2-5p level was associated with disease progression and poor prognosis in patients with NNKTL. Our findings demonstrate that circulating EBV-miRNAs, particularly miR-BART2-5p, may serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with NNKTL.
Insights
Circulating Epstein-Barr virus micro-RNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL). Elevated levels of specific EBV-miRNAs, particularly miR-BART2-5p, can help diagnose NNKTL and predict patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated cancer with a poor prognosis.
- Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are involved in cancer development and are detectable in serum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate circulating EBV-miRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for NNKTL.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from NNKTL patients and healthy controls were analyzed using miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-array and quantitative PCR.
- Expression levels of EBV-miRNAs were measured and correlated with disease status and treatment response.
Main Results:
- Four EBV-miRNAs (miR-BART2-5p, miR-BART7-3p, miR-BART13-3p, miR-BART1-5p) were significantly elevated in NNKTL patients compared to controls.
- These miRNA levels decreased after treatment, indicating their secretion from tumor cells.
- High miR-BART2-5p levels were associated with disease progression and poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Circulating EBV-miRNAs, especially miR-BART2-5p, show potential as non-invasive biomarkers for NNKTL diagnosis and prognosis.
- Monitoring these EBV-miRNAs could aid in managing NNKTL patients.
