Expression analysis of three miRNAs, miR-26a, miR-29b and miR-519d, in relation to MMP-2 expression level in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a pilot study

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death in men and second only to breast cancer in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis and function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Among other genes, miRNAs regulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the proteolytic enzymes playing a significant role in the degradation of extracellular matrix, enhancing tumor invasion and metastasis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression levels of selected miRNAs: miR-26a, miR-29b and miR-519d, and their target gene, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results were correlated with tumor staging, NSCLC histopathological subtypes and patients’ demographical features to assess the possible diagnostic/prognostic value of the studied miRNAs and MMP - 2 . Total RNA was isolated from 38 NSCLC tissue samples, and the expression analysis was performed using TaqMan ® probes in qPCR assay. The results indicated underexpression of selected miRNAs and overexpression of MMP - 2 . The decrease in miRNA-29b expression was statistically significant and differentiated NSCLC histopathological subtypes. Additionally, statistically significant negative correlation was found between MMP - 2 expression and its regulatory miR-26a. There are very few studies reporting miRNA-MMPs analysis on mRNA level in lung cancer, and no similar reports are available from Polish population. The results of our pilot study indicated the diagnostic potential of miR-29b and MMP - 2 , an inverse association between miR-26a and MMP - 2 , and proved the role of MMP-2 and the studied miRNAs in lung carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to verify their potential usefulness for the treatment of lung cancer.