Mendelian randomization reveals causal circulatory microRNAs in prostate cancer pathogenesis and prognosis

Prostate cancer (PCa) lacks precise diagnostic tools, necessitating noninvasive biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise due to fluid stability and oncogenic regulation. Using 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we analyzed plasma miRNA expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) from discovery and validation cohorts. Cis-acting eQTLs served as instrumental variables, with causal effects assessed via inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and MR-Egger regression. Functional and survival analyses leveraged The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-PRAD data and bioinformatics tools. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-127-3p, -370-3p, -125a-5p, -433-3p, -99b-5p) were inversely associated with PCa risk (IVW P < .05, FDR < 0.1). Two (hsa-miR-125a-5p/-99b-5p) were validated (OR = 0.992-0.9924, P < .05). Their 553 target genes included 9 survival-linked genes (e.g., FOXM1, BTG2), enriched in basement membrane organization, glutathione metabolism, and senescence. hsa-miR-127-3p was downregulated in PCa (fold change = 0.7, P < .001), with pan-cancer prognostic relevance. hsa-miR-125a-5p and -99b-5p are causal protective factors against PCa, modulating oncogenic pathways and survival. These miRNAs offer potential as noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets, advancing precision oncology.