Differentially Expressed Extracellular Vesicle-Contained microRNAs before and after Transurethral Resection of...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Bladder cancer (BC) diagnosis and monitoring rely on cystoscopy, an invasive and costly procedure.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bodily fluids offer potential non-invasive biomarkers for BC.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) within EVs are being investigated as diagnostic and surveillance tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify potential BC-specific biomarkers using next-generation sequencing of EV-contained miRNAs.
• To compare miRNA expression in pre- and postsurgery samples from BC patients and non-cancer patients (NCPs).
• To evaluate urinary and serum EV-miRNAs as potential recurrence-free survival biomarkers for stage T1 BC.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing of EV-contained miRNAs from urine and serum of 41 BC patients and 15 NCPs.
• Analysis of miRNA expression levels in pre- and postsurgery samples.
• Confirmation of findings in a replica study cohort.

Main Results:

• Two urinary EV-miRNAs, miR-451a and miR-486-5p, were significantly upregulated in presurgery samples from stage T1 BC patients compared to postsurgery samples.
• No differential miRNA expression was observed in serum EVs, serum supernatant, or when comparing BC patients to NCPs.
• Findings were validated in a replica cohort.

Conclusions:

• Urinary EV-contained miR-451a and miR-486-5p may serve as potential biomarkers for recurrence-free survival in stage T1 bladder cancer.
• This study is the first to investigate EV-miRNA sequencing in pre- and postsurgery BC patient samples.
• Further research is warranted to validate these urinary biomarkers for BC surveillance.