Categorized serum miRNAs as potential biomarkers for predicting the progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), a common and aggressive gastrointestinal cancer, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and prognosis prediction despite available detection and treatment options. Many studies emphasized the crucial link between abnormal microRNA regulation and their potential role in cancer development and progression. These miRNAs are recognized as important non-invasive biomarkers for prognosis and overall survival prediction in various cancers, including CRC. Materials and Methods: In this study, we compared the expression patterns of eight miRNAs in the serum of 36 CRC patients with those of 37 healthy controls. The matching criteria included clinicodemographic factors and CRC susceptibility, and the analysis was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The serum miRNA levels of these eight miRNAs (miR-19a, miR-92a, miR-103, miR-106a, miR-107a, miR-150, miR-221, and miR-720) in the study groups are significantly higher compared to the control group. This analysis revealed eight specific miRNAs with varying expression levels in CRC patients. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis using data collection and analytical tools has shown that these miRNAs may be associated with important aspects of colorectal cancer development and progression through the PI3K/AKT/PTEN, WNT/CATENIN, and EMT signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our analysis has identified a group of 8 overexpressed miRNAs (miR-19a, miR-92a, miR-103, miR-106a, miR-107a, miR-150, miR-221, and miR-720.) in serum samples of CRC patients.: Although further validation in larger and more diverse groups is necessary, these findings support a potential mechanism of action for these miRNAs in CRC and their association with essential signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/PTEN, WNT/CATENIN, and EMT. © 2024, Iranian Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Society. All rights reserved.