Diagnostic microRNA profiling in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

Abstract

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are the most frequent primary skin lymphomas. Nevertheless, diagnosis of early disease has proven difficult because of a clinical and histologic resemblance to benign inflammatory skin diseases. To address whether microRNA (miRNA) profiling can discriminate CTCL from benign inflammation, we studied miRNA expression levels in 198 patients with CTCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTL), and benign skin diseases (psoriasis and dermatitis). Using microarrays, we show that

STAT5-mediated expression of oncogenic miR-155 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

“…17,18 Here, we provide the first evidence that miR-155-5p (from here on referred to as miR-155) and its precursor BIC are expressed at significantly higher levels in malignant CTCL cells than in non-malignant T cells (Fig. 1A and B).…”

“…Furthermore, the pathway is believed to play a role in creating a pro-oncogenic inflammatory environment via production of VEGF 30 and IL-10 31 and induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), 32 which confers resistance to IFNα in malignant T cells. Interestingly, miR-21, another oncogenic miRNA that is significantly upregulated in CTCL patients, 17,18 was shown to be modulated by STAT3. 33,34 Much less is known about STAT5, another downstream effector of the IL-2R/JAK3 complex.…”

“…miR-155 has been assigned the status of an oncogenic miRNA, because it induces genomic instability, 13,14 and elevated expression levels are observed in hematological 4,5,17 as well as different types of solid tissue cancer. [6][7][8][9] Sustained proliferation is a hallmark of transformed cells.…”

“…16 Recently, miR-155 has been found overexpressed in CTCL and provides diagnostic value distinguishing between benign and malignant inflammation. 17,18 The most common subtypes of CTCL are mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), an aggressive CTCL characterized by peripheral blood involvement. Early MF lesions often present as flat erythematous patches or plaques.…”

Insights into the Diverse Roles of miR-205 in Human Cancers

“…Also, miR-205 has the capability to distinguish cutaneous t-cell lymphoma CTCL from high specific and sensitive benign disorders (Ralfkiaer et al, 2011).…”