Integrative analysis of microRNA expression level profile identifies microRNAs associated with prostate cancer

Purpose of the study: Treatment and management of cancer has become rapid and more efficient over the years, this is due to technological advancement in medicine. However, more researches are still required in the early diagnosis of pre-cancerous lesions. Studies have shown the relationship between microRNA (miRNA) and some pathological disorder. Hence, the need to identify miRNA biomarkers with potential of upscaling the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Results: Here, we used a comprehensive integrated bioinformatics approach to analyze the expression profile level of miRNA of prostate cancer patients and healthy individuals. Expression datasets were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) using specific search criteria. miRNA Differential Expression investigation revealed that 120 miRNAs were upregulated while 567 were downregulated. Of these miRNAs, hsa-miR-7-2-3p, hsa-miR18a-5p, hsa-miR-183-3p, hsa-miR-19b-1-5p, and hsa-miR-628-3p were jointly upregulated and downregulated in the dataset retrieved. Our analysis revealed significant interaction level between these identified miRNAs and the top 10 most aberrated genes in prostate cancer. Furthermore, the identified miRNAs were able to modulate TGFbeta signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and Hippo signaling pathway, etc. In addition, the constructed regulatory gene network also highlighted some genes correlated with the identified miRNAs. Conclusions. These predicted miRNAs could be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, some experimental studies are required to have an in-depth understanding of their mechanistic role.