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Metastasis-associated microRNA expression in canine uveal melanoma
M P Starkey1, L Compston-Garnett1, P Malho2
1Molecular Oncology Group, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK.
Veterinary and Comparative Oncology
|May 18, 2017
Summary
Canine uveal melanoma (UM) metastasis can be predicted using microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles. Specific miRNA signatures identified in this study accurately distinguished between metastasizing and non-metastasizing canine UM.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in dogs.
- Predicting metastasis in canine UM remains challenging.
- microRNA (miRNA) metastasis signatures are known in human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if miRNA expression levels can differentiate between metastasizing and non-metastasizing canine UM.
- To identify specific miRNA signatures associated with metastasis in canine UM.
Main Methods:
- microRNA microarray profiling was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary UM biopsies.
- Expression levels of 20 primary UM biopsies (8 metastasizing, 12 non-metastasizing) were compared.
- Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used for validation.
Main Results:
- Fourteen miRNAs showed significant expression differences between metastasizing and non-metastasizing UM.
- A panel of 9 miRNAs accurately predicted metastasis with 89% accuracy.
- Eight of these miRNAs were upregulated in metastasizing UM, including three linked to metastasis activation in human melanoma.
Conclusions:
- miRNA expression profiling shows potential for identifying canine UMs prone to metastasis.
- Upregulated miRNAs in metastasizing tumors could serve as therapeutic targets for intervention.
