Differential miRNA Expressions Linking Environmental Risk Factors to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stages at...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Environmental Health
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poorly understood environmental links.
• Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are implicated as mediators between environmental exposures and TNBC.
• Targeted prevention strategies are needed, considering diverse populations and risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify environmental risk factors associated with TNBC stages.
• Understand how miRNAs mediate the link between environmental exposures and TNBC stages.
• Elucidate molecular mechanisms driving TNBC progression and disparities.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 434 Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) TNBC tumor samples (early and advanced stages).
• Integrated sequencing data with Louisiana Tumor Registry and Environmental Justice index.
• Identified differentially expressed miRNAs across environmental risk factors and TNBC stages.

Main Results:

• 348 unique miRNAs were differentially expressed across environmental risk factors linked to TNBC stage.
• 44 miRNAs were commonly differentially expressed across TNBC stages and multiple environmental exposures.
• Differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with receptor-negative and aggressive breast cancer subtypes.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest biological pathways where environmental exposures drive TNBC progression.
• Identified miRNAs may mediate the relationship between environmental factors and TNBC outcomes.
• This research contributes to understanding disparities in TNBC by linking environmental exposures and molecular mechanisms.