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Differential Expression of MicroRNAs in Silent and Functioning Corticotroph Tumors

Araceli García-Martínez1, Antonio C Fuentes-Fayos2,3,4,5, Carmen Fajardo6

  • 1Research Laboratory, Alicante General University Hospital-Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), CIBERER, 03010 Alicante, Spain.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show altered expression in silent pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Specific miRNAs like miR-200a and miR-103 can differentiate tumor types, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) encompass various subtypes, including corticotroph tumors (CTs).
  • The specific mechanisms underlying the silencing of CTs remain poorly understood.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in gene regulation and tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of specific miRNAs in the silencing mechanisms of CTs.
  • To analyze the expression levels of selected miRNAs, pathways, and transcription factors in functioning versus silent CTs.
  • To explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for CT classification.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of miR-375, miR-383, miR-488, miR-200a, miR-103, and associated genes.
  • Tumor samples from 23 silent and 24 functioning CTs were analyzed.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to correlate miRNA expression with tumor characteristics.

Main Results:

  • miR-200a and miR-103 exhibited significantly higher expression in silent CTs compared to functioning CTs, irrespective of tumor size.
  • miR-383 showed a negative correlation with the transcription factor TBX19 in silent CTs.
  • Higher expression of miR-488, miR-200a, and miR-103 was observed in macroadenomas compared to microadenomas.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs are potentially involved in the pathophysiology of corticotroph tumors.
  • Specific miRNAs can serve as differentiating markers between functioning and silent CTs.
  • Targeting these miRNAs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for CT patients.
Keywords:
corticotroph tumorsmiRNApituitary neuroendocrine tumorstranscriptional regulation

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