The role of long-range non-coding RNAs NeST, NTT, BACE1-AS, CCAT2, FOXCUT and HULC as predictor biomarkers in breast cancer

Abstract

BackgroundsLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in normal tissues development as well as pathogenesis of numerous types of cancers. In addition, deregulations of their expression in a number of cancers have suggested that they can be introduced as remarkable biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis. ObjectiveIn the present study, we aimed at analysis of selected lncRNAs expression as prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer patients. MethodsIn the current study, six specific lncRNAs including NeST, NTT, HULC, FOXCUT, BACE1 and CCAT2 and IFN-γ genes were selected as possible breast cancer biomarkers. The expression level of all samples was assessed via RT-qPCR in both normal and cancerous breast tissues. ResultsWe found that the expression levels of IFNγ (p < 0.05) and four lncRNAs including NeST (p = 0.009), NTT (p = 0.023), HULC (p = 0.029) and BACE1 (p = 0.014) in patients with breast cancer was significantly higher than that of healthy controls. Expression level of lncRNA FOXCUT and CCAT2 did not show significant difference between two groups with p values = 0.189, and 0.066, respectively. Moreover, there has been strong correlation between IFNγ expression level and two lncRNA NeST (p = 0.001) or lncRNA NTT (p = 0.008). ConclusionsOur study compared the expression level of six lncRNA and IFNγ genes between cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues, and found that the level of four lncRNAs NeST, NTT, HULC and BACE1 were increased in the breast cancer cases. Therefore, these four lncRNA expression level may be potential candidate biomarker panel for breast cancer prognosis.