Circulating Micro RNA 181A as Biomarker in Breast Cancer, Its Possible Association with Metastasis & Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation
Background: Recent studies have reported the involvement of micro RNA 181a in diverse
cellular functions. Though some studies have shown that miR-181a expression is
downregulated in several human solid tumors, others have demonstrated that upregulation
of miR-181a may promote metastasis and invasion of human cancers. Aim of the Study: The
aim of this work is to detect the level of circulating miRNA-181a in breast cancer cases at
different stages and to study its role in metastasis & epithelial mesenchymal transformation …
cellular functions. Though some studies have shown that miR-181a expression is
downregulated in several human solid tumors, others have demonstrated that upregulation
of miR-181a may promote metastasis and invasion of human cancers. Aim of the Study: The
aim of this work is to detect the level of circulating miRNA-181a in breast cancer cases at
different stages and to study its role in metastasis & epithelial mesenchymal transformation …
Background
Recent studies have reported the involvement of micro RNA 181a in diverse cellular functions. Though some studies have shown that miR-181a expression is downregulated in several human solid tumors, others have demonstrated that upregulation of miR-181a may promote metastasis and invasion of human cancers.
Aim of the Study
The aim of this work is to detect the level of circulating miRNA-181a in breast cancer cases at different stages and to study its role in metastasis & epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) through the possible association between miRNA 181a and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway.
Subjects and Methods
The present work included 70 female patients, with breast cancer at different stages 30 patients with metastatic disease and 40 patients with non-metastatic disease 20 healthy subjects were taken as a control group. We detected miRNA-181a expression in peripheral blood with qRT PCR, and TGF-beta, SMAD-4, SNAIL-1 and Bim expression by quantitative PCR.
Results
miRNA-181a, TGF-beta, SNAIL-1 and SMAD-4 were significantly upregulated in patients with metastatic breast cancer compared to patients with non-metastatic disease while Bim is significantly downregulated in metastatic versus non-metastatic group. Also, miRNA-181a was a prognostic marker for disease progression and overall survival.
Conclusion
signaling pathway of TGFβ-SMAD, regulate miRNA-181a which in turn play role in stabilizing SNAIL transcription factor that promote tumor aggressiveness and metastasis through epithelial mesenchymal transition, as well as down-regulation of Bim.