MiR-203a-3p, ABL1 and TP63 gene expression is altered in the endometrium of women with endometriosis

Abstract

Objective Many genes and miRNAs have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis. TP63 (p63) is implicated in lineage specification, proliferative potential, differentiation, cell death and survival. The ABL1 proto-oncogene encodes a cytoplasmic and nuclear protein tyrosine kinase implicated in cell differentiation, cell division, and cell adhesion. Moreover, hsa-miR-203a-3p was reported to play pivotal roles in tumor progression by targeting multiple genes, including ABL1 and TP63. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of ABL1, TP63, and miR-203a-3p in endometriosis. Methods This study included 30 women with endometriosis (stage III: n = 12 and stage IV: n = 18) and 30 age-matched controls. Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed, and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique was used to determine the expression of miR-203a-3p, TP63, and ABL1. Results TP63 and ABL1 were significantly overexpressed in stages III and IV endometriosis as compared to controls (p < .0001). Moreover, overexpression of ABL1 and TP63 was observed in stage IV compared to stage III (p = .0006 and p = .0002, respectively). Furthermore, significant increase miR-203a-3p expression has been seen in stage IV endometriosis compared to controls (p = .006). The expression of miR-203a-3p in stage III was not significant compared to stage IV and control (p = .33 and p = .43, respectively). Conclusion It is concluded that miR-203a-3p, ABL1 and TP63 gene expression is altered in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis. It is also suggested that miR-203a-3p, ABL1, and TP63 might be candidate factors for the pathogenesis of endometriosis and suggesting its therapeutic potential in endometriosis.