MicroRNAs expression changes coincide with low or high grade of squamous intraepithelial lesion infected by HPV-16

Expression of miRNAs in the Presence of HPV Infection in Cervical Dysplasia Samples: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is a major health concern, with human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection being a key risk factor. However, not all HPV-infected individuals develop cancer, suggesting the additional factors may be involved. This study aims to evaluate the differences in the miR-155 and -205 expression in cervical tissue with dysplasia depending on the presence of HPV and confirmed cancer diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of miR-155 and -205 in 30 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary cervical tissue biopsy samples was evaluated using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expression levels of miRNA-155 and -205 in cervical dysplasia samples without malignant transformation was lower than these in carcinoma in situ tissues (0.74 ± 0.21 and 1.65 ± 0.42 vs. 1.37 ± 0.18 and 2.35 ± 0.32, respectively). In carcinoma in situ cases, we found higher levels of miRNA-155 and -205 (1.6 and 1.38 times, respectively) in CIN-3/ HSIL samples compared to CIN-2/HSIL samples. The expression of both miRNAs tended to increase in HPV-positive cases and in the presence of malignant transformation compared to HPV-negative dysplasia and dysplasia without signs of malignant transformation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained data indicate a potential relationship between the presence of HPV infection and the expression profile of miRNA-155 and -205.

Analysis of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cervical Cancer Differentially Expressed Genes and Identification of Prognostic Factors using Integrated Bioinformatics Approaches

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer progresses through a series of steps. Despite our limited understanding of the mechanisms driving this progression, identifying the key genes involved could significantly improve early detection and treatment.

Materials and Methods

Two gene expression profiles of GSE9750 and GSE6791, which included cervical cancer HPV-positive and -negative samples, were evaluated using the R limma package with established cut-off criteria of P value < 0.05 and | fold change| ≥ 1. KEGG pathway enrichment was performed to identify potential pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to discover co-expressed gene modules and trait-module connections.

Results

Considering the defined criteria, 115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The DEG's KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed enrichment in highly relevant pathways to the HPV infection, including cell cycle, viral carcinogenesis, autophagy-animal, Epstein-Barr virus infection, human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection, and microRNAs in cancer. WGCNA results in 13 co-expression modules, and the magenta module is identified with significant relations to HPV, cervical cancer stage, and metastasis traits. The survival analysis identified BEX1 and CDC45 as potential prognostic factors in HPV-associated cervical cancer.

Conclusion

The innovation of our work lies in identifying essential genes associated with the multi-step process of cervical carcinogenesis. In fact, the current study has the potential to give a distinct viewpoint on the molecular pathways linked to cervical cancer. Considering the potential importance of the hub genes, we recommend conducting in-depth wet lab research to determine their impact on the biological mechanisms of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer, Papillomavirus, and miRNA Dysfunction

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer in women from developing countries. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 is a major risk factor for cervical carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, only a few women with morphologic expression of HPV infection progress into invasive disease suggesting the involvement of other factors in cervical carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression including genes involved in fundamental biological processes and human cancer. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been widely reported in cervical cancer. This work focuses on reviewing the miRNAs affected during the HPV infection process, as well relevant miRNAs that contribute to the development and maintenance of malignant cervical tumor cells. Finally, we recapitulate on miRNAs that may be used to distinguish between healthy individuals from patients with precancerous lesions or cervical tumors.