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Published on: June 6, 2025
MicroRNAs and regulated interaction networks reveal differences between adult and pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Jing Liu1, Lei Zhou1, Xiaomin Fu2
1Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital Beijing 100853, China.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to identify featured microRNAs and their regulated network between adult and pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and find potential utility as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of pediatric AML.
Methods:
We downloaded the microRNA expression dataset GSE35320 from Gene Expression Omnibus database and selected expression chips from bone marrow of 71 pediatric AML samples and 6 adulthood AML samples. Differentially expressed microRNAs were identified by Wilcox test. The target genes of these microRNAs were predicted using an integrative method and their functional enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID. Finally, STRING database and Cytoscape software was used to construct and analyze the interaction network.
Results:
A total of 7 differentially expressed microRNAs were identified and the remarkably up-regulated and down-regulated microRNAs were miR-16 and miR-142-5p which included 323 and 22 predicted target genes, respectively. The target genes of 7 microRNAs were most associated with regulation of cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and neurotrophin signaling pathway. The interaction network of miR-16 target genes was constructed among 354 high confidence interaction pairs. The core genes of the network, such as TP53, BCL2, VEGFA, had a role in prognosis of children with AML.
Conclusions:
The featured microRNAs and their target genes are significant in the occurrence and development of pediatric AML, which is likely to be important for the identification of therapeutic targets and biomarkers for these patients.
Insights
This study identified key microRNAs (miRNAs) and their networks in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These findings highlight potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for childhood AML.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy affecting both adults and children.
- Pediatric AML presents unique biological and clinical characteristics compared to adult AML.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in gene regulation and have emerged as important players in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their regulatory networks in pediatric versus adult AML.
- To explore the potential of these miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for pediatric AML.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression data (GSE35320) from pediatric and adult AML bone marrow samples.
- Identification of differentially expressed miRNAs using the Wilcox test.
- Prediction of miRNA target genes and functional enrichment analysis (DAVID).
- Construction and analysis of miRNA-target gene interaction networks (STRING, Cytoscape).
Main Results:
- Seven differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, with miR-16 and miR-142-5p showing significant differential expression.
- Target genes were primarily associated with cell cycle regulation, p53 signaling, Wnt signaling, and neurotrophin signaling pathways.
- Network analysis revealed core genes like TP53, BCL2, and VEGFA, implicated in pediatric AML prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Specific miRNAs and their target genes are integral to the pathogenesis of pediatric AML.
- These findings suggest promising therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for pediatric AML patients.
