Objective: The aim of the study was to explore specific microRNAs (miRs) in rectal cancer that would predict response to radiation and identify target pathways that may be exploited for neoadjuvant therapies.
Summary background data: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response is a predictor of survival in rectal cancer. Studies have demonstrated changes in RNA expression correlate with chemoradiation sensitivity across cancers.
Methods: Forty-five rectal cancer patients, partial responders (PR = 18), nonresponders (NR = 13), and complete responders (CR = 14) to CRT, as defined by a tumor regression score, were examined. miRs differentially expressed, using NanoString microArray profiling, were validated with qPCR. We quantified 1 miR and its downstream targets in patient samples. Chemosensitivity was measured in HCT-116, a human colorectal carcinoma cell line, using inhibitors of SHP2 and RAF.
Results: miR-451a, 502-5p, 223-3p, and 1246 were the most upregulated miRs (>1.5-fold change) in a NanoString profiling miR panel. qPCR revealed a decrease in expression of miR-451a in NRs. EMSY and CAB39, both downstream targets of miR-451a and involved in carcinogenesis (shown in TCGA) were increased in NRs (qPCR). Both targets are associated with worse survival in colorectal cancer. Inhibition of miR-451a in HCT-116 cells significantly decreased cell proliferation with treatment of SHP2 and RAF inhibitors.
Conclusions: An integrated analysis of rectal cancer miRs may yield biomarkers of radioresistance and offer treatment targets for resensitization.