Comparison Bioinformatic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles-Related Genes and MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality with limited targeted therapies.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in BC progression via their cargo of bioactive molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze extracellular vesicle-associated molecules (ENPEP, TIMP1, CD36, MARCKS, DAB2, CXCL14, miR-181b-5p, miR-222-3p) in breast cancer.
• To identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic analysis using multiple databases (GEPIA2, HPA, bc-GenExMiner, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, ENCORI, Enrichr-KG, Cancer Hallmark Enrichment, TNM plot, miR databases, TargetScan, STRING).
• Analysis of gene and microRNA expression, correlation with clinical subtypes, survival data, and promoter methylation.
• Functional enrichment analysis to link molecules to cancer hallmarks.

Main Results:

• CD36, DAB2, and CXCL14 were downregulated; TIMP1 was upregulated in BC tissues (p < 0.05).
• Expression patterns varied across BC subtypes (e.g., low CD36/CXCL14/DAB2 in triple-negative/basal-like; high TIMP1 in HER2+/ER+/PR+).
• Higher TIMP1, DAB2, CXCL14 correlated with improved survival; specific microRNA correlations (miR-222-3p, miR-181b-5p) were identified.

Conclusions:

• EV-associated molecules CD36, DAB2, CXCL14, TIMP1, miR-222-3p, and miR-181b-5p show altered expression in breast cancer.
• These molecules are linked to cancer hallmarks and may serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Further validation studies are warranted to confirm these findings for clinical application.