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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
MicroRNA Signatures in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Effusions
Kimberly A Birnie1, Cecilia M Prêle1,2, Arthur W Bill Musk3,4
1Institute for Respiratory Health and Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable cancer of the pleura that can be difficult to diagnose. Biomarkers for an easier and/or earlier diagnosis are needed. Approximately 90% of MPM patients develop a pleural effusion (PE). PEs are ideal sources of biomarkers as the fluid would almost always require drainage for diagnostic and/or therapeutic reasons. However, differentiating MPM PE from PE caused by other diseases can be challenging. MicroRNAs are popular biomarkers given their stable expression in tissue and fluid. MicroRNAs have been analysed in PE cytology samples for the diagnosis of MPM but have not been measured in frozen/fresh PE. We hypothesise that microRNAs expressed in PE are biomarkers for MPM. TaqMan OpenArray was used to analyse over 700 microRNAs in PE cells and supernatants from 26 MPMs and 21 other PE-causing diseases. In PE cells, combining miR-143, miR-210, and miR-200c could differentiate MPM with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. The three-microRNA signature could also discriminate MPM from a further 40 adenocarcinomas with an AUC of 0.9887. These results suggest that the expression of miR-143, miR-210, and miR-200c in PE cells might provide a signature for diagnosing MPM.
Insights
Diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) can be challenging. A signature of three microRNAs (miR-143, miR-210, miR-200c) in pleural effusion cells shows promise for earlier and easier MPM diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive, incurable cancer.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of MPM is crucial but often challenging.
- Pleural effusions (PE) are common in MPM patients and a potential source for diagnostic biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pleural effusion cells as diagnostic biomarkers for MPM.
- To identify specific miRNA signatures that can differentiate MPM from other pleural effusion causes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 700 microRNAs in pleural effusion cells and supernatants from 26 MPM cases and 21 controls using TaqMan OpenArray.
- Statistical analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of identified miRNA combinations.
Main Results:
- A combination of three microRNAs (miR-143, miR-210, and miR-200c) in PE cells demonstrated high accuracy in differentiating MPM (AUC = 0.92).
- This three-miRNA signature also effectively distinguished MPM from 40 adenocarcinoma cases (AUC = 0.9887).
Conclusions:
- The identified miRNA signature (miR-143, miR-210, miR-200c) in pleural effusion cells holds significant potential as a diagnostic tool for MPM.
- This finding could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
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