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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
miRNAs as Molecular Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer
Donatella Coradduzza1, Tatiana Solinas2, Francesca Balzano1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
Abstract:
miRNAs are short noncoding RNAs able to regulate specific mRNA stability, thus influencing target gene expression. Disrupted levels of several miRNAs have been associated with prostate cancer (PC), the leading cause of cancer death among men and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Herein, we investigated whether miR-145, miR-148, and miR-185 circulating levels in plasma could be used as molecular biomarkers, to allow distinguishing between individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia, precancerous lesions, and PC. One-hundred and seventy urological clinic patients with suspected PC who underwent prostate biopsy were recruited. Total RNA was isolated from plasma, and TaqMan MicroRNA assays were used to analyze miR-145, miR-185, and miR-148 expression. First, differential miRNA expression among patient groups was evaluated. Then, miRNA levels were combined with clinical assessment outcomes, including results from invasive tests, using multivariate analysis to examine their ability in discriminating among the three patient groups. Our results suggest that miRNA is a promising molecular tool for clinical management of at-risk patients.
Insights
Plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) show potential as biomarkers for distinguishing prostate cancer (PC) from benign prostatic hyperplasia and precancerous lesions. This study evaluated miR-145, miR-148, and miR-185 levels for improved PC diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
- Altered miRNA expression is linked to prostate cancer (PC) development.
- Distinguishing PC from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and precancerous lesions is clinically important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma levels of miR-145, miR-148, and miR-185 as potential biomarkers.
- To assess the ability of these miRNAs to differentiate between BPH, precancerous lesions, and PC.
- To explore the utility of miRNAs in the clinical management of patients with suspected PC.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 170 urological patients undergoing prostate biopsy.
- Isolation of total RNA from plasma samples.
- Quantification of miR-145, miR-148, and miR-185 expression using TaqMan MicroRNA assays.
- Differential expression analysis and multivariate analysis combining miRNA levels with clinical data.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in circulating miRNA levels were observed among patient groups.
- Multivariate analysis demonstrated the potential of combined miRNA levels and clinical data in discriminating between BPH, precancerous lesions, and PC.
- The evaluated miRNAs show promise as diagnostic or prognostic indicators.
Conclusions:
- Plasma miR-145, miR-148, and miR-185 represent promising molecular biomarkers.
- These miRNAs could aid in the clinical management and diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- Further validation is warranted for widespread clinical application.
