Aim: To analyze the expression profile, diagnostic and clinicopathological significances of miRNAs in sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP).
Materials & methods: The expression profile of miRNAs was analyzed using a miRNA microarray approach. The potential functions and clinical significances of specific miRNAs were further analyzed by bioinformatics and statistical methods.
Results: The microarray assay identified 37 significantly upregulated and 21 downregulated miRNAs in SNIP. Of nine miRNAs randomly selected, the expression levels of seven miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. The potential target genes of several candidate miRNAs were enriched in some biological processes and cellular signaling pathways related to tumorigenesis. Receiever operating characteristic curve analysis for miR-214-3p indicated an area under the curve of 0.932. Notably, its expression level was significantly decreased in SNIP tissues and associated with SNIP staging and recurrence.
Conclusion: MiR-214-3p can possibly serve as a valuable biomarker and a therapeutic target for SNIP.
Keywords: Human papilloma virus; bioinformatics; biomarker; inverted papilloma; microRNA; microarray; pathogenesis; pathway; sinonasal tumors; target genes.