Abstract 1797: Serum microRNAs as immune modulators and biomarkers of breast cancer recurrence

Abstract

Abstract MicroRNAs (microRNAs) are short sequences of RNA (about 22 nucleotides) that are involved in the regulation of gene expression. Previous studies have suggested that a number of microRNAs are recognized as new biomarkers for cancers. The aim of this study is to identify specific microRNAs in serum, which may serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) array analyses of microRNAs in sera from four pairs of recurrent and nonrecurrent breast cancer patients were performed. Those differentially expressed microRNAs were verified in serum samples from 42 breast cancer patients. The prognostic values of the selected microRNAs were statistically analyzed, determined by the correlation between microRNA expression and tumor parameters. High serum levels of miR-134 and miR-483-5p were found to be associated with some aggressive tumor behaviors. Kaplan-Meier analysis of four upregulated microRNAs (miR-134, miR-483-5p, miR-493-3p and miR-139-3p) indicated that serum level of miR-134 can predict tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients after primary treatment. Further functional analysis showed that overexpression of miR-134 has no significant effects on tumor growth but regulates macrophage M1/M2 polarization. Overall, our data suggested that serum microRNAs may promote tumor progression and recurrence via modulating inflammation and immune response and potentially serve as blood biomarkers for prediction of recurrence in breast cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Lauren Chen, Mithil Soni. Serum microRNAs as immune modulators and biomarkers of breast cancer recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1797.