mRNA and microRNA expression patterns in adrenocortical cancer

Abstract

Adrenocortical cancer is a rare tumor and its prognosis is poor. Although numerous tumor-associated genetic and signal transduction alterations have been described to date, its pathogenesis is still unclear. Hybridization-based DNA microarray approaches may reveal significant gene expression alterations and may thus contribute to a better understanding of tumorigenesis and may identify molecular markers applicable for the distinction of benign and malignant lesions. Beside gene expression patterns, studies on microRNAs seem to be useful, as well. Novel therapeutical targets might be established by these approaches. In this review, the authors attempt to summarize the main findings of mRNA and microRNA expression microarray studies performed to date in adrenocortical cancer including a recent meta-analysis of gene expression data and present novel pathogenic pathways.

Keywords: Adrenocortical tumor; gene expression; meta-analysis; microRNA; microarray.

Figure 1

Results of pathway analysis (IPA) for the genes involved in cell cycle regulation. Adapted and reproduced with permission from Szabó PM et al., Oncogene (Nature Publishing Group), 2010 [21].

Figure 2

Pathways with altered gene expression patterns involved in LXR/RXR signalling in ACCs. Adapted and reproduced with permission from Szabó PM et al., Oncogene (Nature Publishing Group), 2010 [21].