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MicroRNA Expression Levels and Histopathological Features of Colorectal Cancer

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Abstract

Introduction

Non-coding RNAs have opened a new window in cancer biology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a family of non-coding RNAs, play an important role in the gene regulation. The aberrant expression of these small molecules has been documented to involve in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. This study aimed to examine the expression of miRNAs in CRC and to correlate their expression levels with histological markers (Ki-67 and CD34).

Materials and Methods

Tumor tissues and matched normal adjacent tissues were collected from 36 patients with newly diagnosed CRC. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of tumor tissues was performed for Ki-67 (proliferation) and CD34 (angiogenesis) markers, and the immunoexpression staining scores were obtained. A polyadenylation SYBER Green quantitative real-time PCR technique was used to quantify the expression of a panel of five CRC-related miRNAs (hsa-miR-21, 31, 20a, 133b, and 145). Histopathological (H) scores and miRNA expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological features including the degree of differentiation, staging, and lymphovascular invasion.

Results

Our results showed the significant difference between the two groups for the expression level of hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-145, and miR-20a (P < 0.001), but not for hsa-miR-133b (P = 0.57). Further analysis revealed an inverse significant correlation between hsa-miR-145 and Ki-67 (r = − 0.942, P < 0.001). While a positive correlation was observed between hsa-miR-21 and Ki-67 (r = 0.920, P < 0.001), and hsa-miR-21 and CD34 (r = 0.981, P < 0.001). Also, a positive correlation between hsa-miR-31 and Ki-67 (r = 0.913, P < 0.001), hsa-miR-31 and CD34 (r = 0.798, P < 0.05), hsa-miR-20a and Ki-67 (r = 0.871, P < 0.001), and hsa-miR-20a and CD34 (r = 0.890, P < 0.001) was found.

Conclusion

Dysregulation of miRNAs and correlation with molecular histopathology indicate a biological role for miRNAs in various cellular processes including cell proliferation and angiogenesis in CRC development. On the other hand, the pattern of miRNA expression and its correlation with histological markers are potentially valuable to apply as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Iran University of Medical Sciences (Grant No. 26649).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Sahar Sarmasti Emami

  2. Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Abolfazl Akbari, Shahram Agah, Mohsen Masoodi & Atefeh Talebi

  3. Young Researchers and Elites Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    Ali-Akbar Zare

  4. Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

    Ali-Akbar Zare

  5. Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Sara Minaeian

  6. Research Center of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Azam Fattahi

  7. Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    Farahnaz Moghadamnia

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  1. Sahar Sarmasti Emami
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  2. Abolfazl Akbari
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Correspondence to Abolfazl Akbari or Ali-Akbar Zare.

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This project was approved by the ethical and research committee (IR.IUMS.REC 1394.26649).

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Emami, S.S., Akbari, A., Zare, AA. et al. MicroRNA Expression Levels and Histopathological Features of Colorectal Cancer. J Gastrointest Canc 50, 276–284 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12029-018-0055-x

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