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Evaluation of the relationship between miR-1271 and GRB2 gene in endometriosis
Ghafour Yarahmadi1, Javad Fazeli1, Mehran Dehghanian1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Background:
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a substantial economic burden on society. It is known that both genetic and environmental factors are contributing to the phenotypic development of the disease. MicroRNAs have a vital role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. miR-1271 and its direct target gene, GRB2 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 2), expression have been studied in gynecologic cancers, while their role in endometriosis has not been studied.
Objective:
We measured miR-1271 and GRB2 gene expression in the eutopic and ectopic tissues of patients (endometrial tissues) in contrast to the control samples from healthy women.
Materials And Methods:
In this study, a total of 45 samples (15 control samples, 15 eutopic samples and 15 ectopic samples) were collected. We used qRT-PCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) to evaluate the expression levels of the miR-1271 and GRB2 gene.
Results:
We observed inverse expression of miR-1271 and GRB2 gene. MiR-1271 expression was significantly reduced in patients with endometriosis compared with healthy women. While there was a noticeable increase in the expression level of its target gene, GRB2, in tissues of endometriosis patients compared with normal control samples.
Conclusion:
We have shown an inverse relationship between the reduction of miR-1271 expression level and increase in the expression level of GRB2, therefore, increased GRB2 expression in endometriosis tissues can be due to decreased expression of this microRNA. Our findings suggested that miR-1271 maybe play a role as a biomarker in the diagnosis of patients with endometriosis.
Insights
MicroRNA-1271 (miR-1271) is reduced in endometriosis patients, leading to increased expression of its target gene, GRB2. This inverse relationship suggests miR-1271 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- MicroRNAs are implicated in endometriosis pathogenesis, but miR-1271's role remains unexplored.
- GRB2 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 2) is a known target of miR-1271, with prior studies in gynecologic cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miR-1271 and its target gene, GRB2, in endometriosis.
- To compare gene expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues from patients versus control samples from healthy women.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure gene expression.
- A total of 45 samples were analyzed: 15 control, 15 eutopic endometrial, and 15 ectopic endometrial tissues.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in miR-1271 expression was observed in endometriosis patients compared to healthy controls.
- Conversely, GRB2 gene expression was notably increased in endometriosis tissues.
- An inverse correlation between miR-1271 and GRB2 expression levels was identified.
Conclusions:
- Reduced miR-1271 expression likely contributes to increased GRB2 expression in endometriosis.
- The findings suggest that miR-1271 holds potential as a diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of miR-1271 in endometriosis development.

