EVmiRED: a curated database of miRNA editing landscape in extracellular vesicles

KaHei Kou1,2, Lanqi Wen1, Luo Yang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Insights

This study introduces EVmiRED, a database detailing microRNA (miRNA) editing in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from tumors. It provides insights into RNA editing

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Metastasis is a major cause of cancer mortality, driven by tumor cell interactions with specific organ microenvironments.
  • Tumor extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, mediate intercellular communication by delivering molecular cargo.
  • ADAR-mediated microRNA (miRNA) editing influences miRNA function, but its role within EVs is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish EVmiRED, a comprehensive database of miRNA expression and editing in tumor-derived EVs.
  • To explore the landscape of miRNA editing within extracellular vesicles.
  • To provide a resource for analyzing RNA editing in cancer progression and intercellular communication.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated miRNA expression and editing data from 683 tumor samples across 12 cancer types and cell lines.
  • Developed EVmiRED to store and query information on miRNA abundance, editing frequency, and predicted functional impact.
  • Enabled visualization of expression/editing patterns and access to raw data for user analysis.

Main Results:

  • EVmiRED currently contains data from 683 samples across 12 tumor types.
  • The database details miRNA abundance, editing frequency, and predicted functional consequences of editing events.
  • Provides a searchable platform for exploring miRNA editing in tumor EVs.

Conclusions:

  • EVmiRED is a valuable resource for understanding RNA editing in intercellular communication and tumor progression.
  • The database facilitates research into the role of EV miRNA editing in cancer immunology.
  • Highlights the potential of EV miRNA editing as a mechanism in cancer metastasis and as a biomarker.

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