Differential expression profiling of microRNAs and their potential involvement in renal cell carcinoma pathogenesis

Abstract

Objective: We seek to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs in the clear cell subtype (ccRCC) of kidney cancer.

Design and methods: We performed a miRNA microarray analysis to compare the miRNA expression levels between ccRCC tissues and their normal counterpart. The top dysregulated miRNAs were validated by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was also performed.

Results: A total of 33 dysregulated miRNAs were identified in ccRCC, including 21 upregulated miRNAs and many of these miRNAs have been reported to be dysregulated in other malignancies and have a potential role in cancer pathogenesis. The miRNAs showed a significant correlation with reported chromosomal aberration sites. We also utilized target prediction algorithms to identify gene targets. Preliminary analyses showed these targets can be directly involved in RCC pathogenesis.

Conclusion: We identified miRNAs that are dysregulated in ccRCC and bioinformatics analysis suggests that these miRNAs may be involved in cancer pathogenesis and have the potential to be biomarkers.