Dysregulation of microRNAs and Centromere Protein Genes in Prostate Cancer and Metastatic Progression

Accurate prediction of disease progression and metastatic potential remains a major challenge in prostate cancer management. This study aimed to evaluate the expression profiles of selected microRNAs (miRNAs) and cell cycle-related genes as centromere protein genes (CENPs) in prostate cancer and to explore their potential clinical relevance in distinguishing metastatic disease.

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostate tissue samples from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, localized prostate cancer, and metastatic prostate cancer were analyzed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRTPCR) was used to assess the expression of miRNAs targeted CENPs as well as CENPA, CENPC, HJURP, and AURKB. Expression patterns were further validated in the metastatic prostate cancer cell line PC3. Relative expression levels were calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt (cycle threshold) method.

Expression analysis of selected miRNAs revealed a significant upregulation of hsa-miR-4755-5p in the metastatic PCa (P = .027), despite no significant differences in fold change. Additionally, hsa-miR-5680 showed a significantly higher fold change in the metastatic group compared to controls (P = .034). Although not statistically significant (P > .05), hsa-miR-5688, hsa-miR-20a-5p, and hsa-miR-4500 demonstrated a consistent trend toward downregulation, as indicated by lower ΔΔCt values in both PCa and metastatic groups relative to controls. In PCa cell line CENPA, CENPC,and HJURP expression levels increased over time, whereas AURKB was downregulated.

The findings indicate that combined dysregulation of specific microRNAs and centromere-associated genes characterizes metastatic prostate cancer. This molecular signature may provide clinically relevant information for risk stratification and warrants further investigation as a potential adjunct to conventional prognostic markers in prostate cancer. Cite this article as: Somuncu MN, Karalezli I, Göger YE, et al. Dysregulation of microRNAs and centromere protein genes in prostate cancer and metastatic progression. Urol Res Pract., 52, 0143, doi:10.5152/tud.2026.26143.