Molecular Oncology (Jun 2024)

Comprehensive microRNA expression analysis of pediatric gonadal germ cell tumors: unveiling novel biomarkers and signatures

  • Ana Glenda Santarosa Vieira,
  • Luciane Sussuchi daSilva,
  • Eduardo Caetano Albino da Silva,
  • Ana Carolina Laus,
  • Thaíssa Maria Veiga Faria,
  • André vanHelvoort Lengert,
  • Gisele Eiras Martins,
  • Marco Antônio deOliveira,
  • Rui Manuel Reis,
  • Luiz Fernando Lopes,
  • Mariana Tomazini Pinto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.13617
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 6
pp. 1593 – 1607

Abstract

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microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs, and alterations in their expression may contribute to oncogenesis. Discovering a unique miRNA pattern holds the potential for early detection and novel treatment possibilities in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate miRNA expression in pediatric patients with gonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs), focusing on characterizing the miRNA profiles of each histological subtype and identifying a distinct histological miRNA signature for a total of 42 samples of pediatric gonadal GCTs. The analysis revealed distinct miRNA expression profiles for all histological types, regardless of the primary site. We identified specific miRNA expression signatures for each histological type, including 34 miRNAs for dysgerminomas, 13 for embryonal carcinomas, 25 for yolk sac tumors, and one for immature teratoma, compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we identified 26 miRNAs that were commonly expressed in malignant tumors, with six miRNAs (miR‐302a‐3p, miR‐302b‐3p, miR‐371a‐5p, miR‐372‐3p, miR‐373‐3p, and miR‐367‐3p) showing significant overexpression. Notably, miR‐302b‐3p exhibited a significant association with all the evaluated clinical features. Our findings suggest that miRNAs have the potential to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with malignant GCTs.

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