Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of miR-141, miR-181b1, and miR-23b in Breast Cancer

Abstract

miRNAs, a group of short noncoding RNAs, are key regulators of fundamental cellular processes and signaling pathways. Dysregulation of miRNA expression with known oncogenic or tumor suppressor functions has been associated with neoplastic transformation. Numerous studies have reported dysregulation of miRNA-141, miR-181b1, and miR-23b in a wide range of malignancies, including breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study had demonstrated the expression of miR-141-3p, miR-181b1-5p, and miR-23b-3p in different histological grades and molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Here, we identified differential expression of these three miRNAs in breast cancer tissues compared with benign breast fibroadenomas. In addition, high expression levels of miR-141-3p and miR-181b1-5p are strongly associated with aggressive breast carcinomas. We also confirmed the clinical potential of using the three miRNAs individually or combined as diagnostic and prognostic markers in breast cancer. Using bioinformatics analyses, we identified 23 hub genes of these three miRNAs which are involved in key signaling pathways in breast cancer. Furthermore, the KM plotter online database analysis demonstrates the association between elevated expression of miR-141 and miR-181b and shorter overall survival of breast cancer patients. Together, our data suggest an oncogenic role of the studied miRNAs and highlight their molecular roles and potential clinical applications in breast cancer.

Promotor Hypomethylation Mediated Upregulation of miR-23b-3p Targets PTEN to Promote Bronchial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Asthma

“…Recent studies have found that miRNA plays an important role in many diseases, including tumors, inflammation, and immune diseases. Research on miR-23b-3p mainly focused on tumors, aneurysms, primary nephrotic syndromes, and other diseases (22)(23)(24)(25). Yunpeng (29).…”

MicroRNA-181b Serves as a Circulating Biomarker and Regulates Inflammation in Heart Failure

“…miR-181b was identified as regulating B cell differentiation and facilitating the maturation of cytotoxic T cells [25]. Indeed, miR-181b has been detected in many cancers, including breast cancer, pancreatic and gallbladder cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia [25][26][27][28][29]. Moreover, several studies revealed that miR-181b could inhibit vascular inflammation and the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis [13,30].…”

Identification of a six‐microRNA signature as a potential diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer tissues

“…Different studies in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the upregulation of miR‐181b1‐5p in highly metastatic BC cell lines. 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 Overexpression of miR‐181b induces breast tumorigenesis and aggressiveness. 45 It suppresses the expression of the proapoptotic Bim signal, stimulating cell‐cycle dysregulation, overgrowth, and tumorigenesis.…”

“… 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 Overexpression of miR‐181b induces breast tumorigenesis and aggressiveness. 45 It suppresses the expression of the proapoptotic Bim signal, stimulating cell‐cycle dysregulation, overgrowth, and tumorigenesis. 49 , 50 Despite its different roles, the potential application of miR‐181b1 as a BC biomarker yet still is blanketed in mystery.…”