Abstract
BackgroundIntraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) precursors. Differentiating between high-risk IPMNs that warrant surgical resection and low-risk IPMNs that can be monitored is a significant clinical problem, and we sought to discover a panel of mi(cro)RNAs that accurately classify IPMN risk status.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn a discovery phase, genome-wide miRNA expression profiling was performed on 28 surgically-resected, pathologically-confirmed IPMNs (19 high-risk, 9 low-risk) using Taqman MicroRNA Arrays. A validation phase was performed in 21 independent IPMNs (13 high-risk, 8 low-risk). We also explored associations between miRNA expression level and various clinical and pathological factors and examined genes and pathways regulated by the identified miRNAs by integrating data from bioinformatic analyses and microarray analysis of miRNA gene targets. Six miRNAs (miR-100, miR-99b, miR-99a, miR-342-3p, miR-126, miR-130a) were down-regulated in high-risk versus low-risk IPMNs and distinguished between groups (P<10−3, area underneath the curve (AUC) = 87%). The same trend was observed in the validation phase (AUC = 74%). Low miR-99b expression was associated with main pancreatic duct involvement (P = 0.021), and serum albumin levels were positively correlated with miR-99a (r = 0.52, P = 0.004) and miR-100 expression (r = 0.49, P = 0.008). Literature, validated miRNA:target gene interactions, and pathway enrichment analysis supported the candidate miRNAs as tumor suppressors and regulators of PDAC development. Microarray analysis revealed that oncogenic targets of miR-130a (ATG2B, MEOX2), miR-342-3p (DNMT1), and miR-126 (IRS-1) were up-regulated in high- versus low-risk IPMNs (P<0.10).ConclusionsThis pilot study highlights miRNAs that may aid in preoperative risk stratification of IPMNs and provides novel insights into miRNA-mediated progression to pancreatic malignancy. The miRNAs identified here and in other recent investigations warrant evaluation in biofluids in a well-powered prospective cohort of individuals newly-diagnosed with IPMNs and other pancreatic cysts and those at increased genetic risk for these lesions.
Highlights
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly 40,000 individuals each year [1]
Microarray analysis revealed that oncogenic targets of miR-130a (ATG2B, MEOX2), miR-342-3p (DNMT1), and miR-126 (IRS-1) were up-regulated in high- versus low-risk intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) (P
The miRNAs identified here and in other recent investigations warrant evaluation in biofluids in a well-powered prospective cohort of individuals newly-diagnosed with IPMNs and other pancreatic cysts and those at increased genetic risk for these lesions
Summary
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly 40,000 individuals each year [1]. Surgical resection offers the best chance for improved survival, but 80–85% of cases are unresectable at diagnosis [1]. These statistics underscore the urgent need to develop strategies to detect PDAC at an early, operable stage. It is established that PDAC does not arise de novo, but instead marks the end of progression from one of three types of non-invasive precursor lesions arising within pancreatic ducts: pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) [2]. Since data highlight a two-decade window of opportunity for early detection efforts in PDAC [8], IPMNs represent prime targets for early detection and prevention of progression to invasive, fatal disease
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