Cyto-Histological Profile of MicroRNAs as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas

Maria de Lurdes Matos ¹, Mafalda Pinto ², Marta Alves ³

⁰Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hospital Curry Cabral, Unidade Saúde Local São José, Centro Clínico e Académico de Lisboa, 1050-166 Lisbon, Portugal.

Genes +

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March 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

MicroRNA (miRNA) expression levels in thyroid cancer samples show potential for improved diagnosis. Specifically, miR-146b, miR-221, and miR-222 overexpression in fine needle aspiration cytology correlate with genetic mutations, aiding in papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis.

Area Of Science

Molecular biology
Oncology
Genetics

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in thyroid carcinomas, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).
Assessing miRNA expression can enhance pre-surgical diagnosis for personalized patient treatment.

Purpose Of The Study

Evaluate miRNAs in DTCs and their association with genetic mutations to improve diagnosis and predict biologic behavior.
Assess the reliability of molecular tests in Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (US-FNAC) for precise preoperative diagnosis.

Main Methods

Analyzed miRNA expression (miR-146b, miR-221, miR-222, miR-15a) in 176 thyroid samples (98 cytology, 78 histology) using qRT-PCR.
Assessed diagnostic ability using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) and correlated miRNA expression with clinicopathological features and mutations (BRAF, RAS, TERTp).

Main Results

miRNAs were overexpressed in DTCs/PTCs compared to benign lesions.
miR-146b demonstrated high diagnostic ability (AUC 0.94) for PTC, with significant associations between miRNA overexpression and BRAF/RAS mutations.
Overexpressed miRNAs in cytology samples correlated with worse prognostic clinicopathological characteristics in PTCs.

Conclusions

miRNA expression profiles, particularly miR-146b, show significant diagnostic potential for PTC in US-FNAC.
The association between miRNA expression and genetic alterations offers a valuable tool for accurate DTC/PTC diagnosis.
Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to fully elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic role of miRNAs in thyroid cancer.

Keywords:

BRAF RAS TERTp differentiated thyroid carcinoma genetic mutations miR-146b miR-15a miR-221 miR-222 microRNAs papillary thyroid carcinoma

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