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Gattuso G, Longo F, Spoto G, Ricci D, Lavoro A, Candido S, Di Cataldo A, Broggi G, Salvatorelli L, Magro G, Libra M, Falzone L. Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of a Four-miRNA Signature in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:1219. [PMID: 39940987 PMCID: PMC11818852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26031219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2025] [Revised: 01/29/2025] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, CRC mortality remains high, especially in industrialized countries. Numerous studies have highlighted the pathogenetic role of altered microRNA (miRNA) expression among the various factors contributing to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the data regarding specific miRNAs involved in CRC pathogenesis remain inconsistent, and no miRNAs have been recognized so far as reliable or effective biomarkers for the diagnosis of this tumor type. To identify novel miRNA biomarkers in CRC, this study validated the expression levels of a four-miRNA signature predicted to be involved in CRC by analyzing both tissue and liquid biopsy samples. Our experimental and bioinformatics results highlighted the diagnostic potential of hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-503-5p, and hsa-miR-375, as well as the potential prognostic value of hsa-miR-497-5p overexpression and hsa-miR-375-3p downregulation. Overall, the results obtained suggest the diagnostic and prognostic significance of this four-miRNA signature in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Federica Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Daria Ricci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Cataldo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.D.C.); (G.B.); (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.D.C.); (G.B.); (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Lucia Salvatorelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.D.C.); (G.B.); (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.D.C.); (G.B.); (L.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.L.); (G.S.); (D.R.); (A.L.); (S.C.)
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Emelyanova MA, Ikonnikova AY. Utilization of molecular genetic approaches for colorectal cancer screening. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:4950-4957. [PMID: 39679308 PMCID: PMC11612711 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i46.4950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The feasibility of population screening for colorectal cancer has been demonstrated in several studies. Most of these studies have considered individual characteristics, diagnostic approaches, epidemiological data, and socioeconomic factors. In this article, we comment on an editorial by Metaxas et al published in the recent issue of the journal. The authors emphasized the need to raise public awareness through health education programs and the possibility of using easily accessible non-invasive screening methods. Here, we focus on non-invasive molecular genetic approaches that can aid in colorectal cancer screening. On the one hand, we highlighted the use of tumor DNA/RNA markers directly for screening and, on the other hand, underline the use of polygenic risk assessment and hereditary predisposition to select individuals for more thorough cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Emelyanova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Anna Y Ikonnikova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
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Liu QN, Ye Y, Jia XQ. Role of different examination methods in colorectal cancer screening: Insights and future directions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:4741-4744. [PMID: 39610773 PMCID: PMC11580609 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i44.4741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor with the third and second highest incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and its mortality rate is increasing annually. Colorectal cancer evolves gradually over a long period of time. The evolving process from colorectal adenoma to colorectal cancer takes approximately 10-15 years, providing a sufficiently long "window period" for early screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The recurrence and mortality rates can be controlled at a low level with an early intervention. Metaxas et al sum-marized existing screening methods and their applicable scope in a recent publication. Moreover, they provide suggestions on how to improve adherence. This editorial provides a commentary on their article and discuss the roles of different screening methods in the early screening of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Ning Liu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Jia
- Department of Anorectal, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100091, China
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