Analysis of 8q24.21 miRNA Cluster Expression and Copy Number Variation in Gastric Cancer

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To analyze gene expression and copy number of five miRNAs (<i>miR-1204</i>, <i>miR-1205</i>, <i>miR-1206</i>, <i>miR-1207</i> and <i>miR-1208</i>) localized in this chromosome region in gastric cancer (GC). <b>Materials & methods:</b> 65 paired neoplastic and non-neoplastic specimens collected from GC patients and 20 non-neoplastic gastric tissues from cancer-free individuals were included in this study. The expression levels of the five miRNAs were accessed by real time qPCR and were correlated. <b>Results:</b> <i>MiR-1207-3p</i>, <i>miR-1205</i>, <i>miR-1207-5p</i> and <i>miR-1208</i> were upregulated in approximately 50% of GC tumors in relation to those of adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. <i>MiR-1205</i> expression was associated with gain of gene copies and was upregulated in adjacent non-neoplastic samples relative to external controls. <b>Conclusion:</b> The coexpression of the 8q24 miRNAs indicated the role of <i>miR-1205</i> in the initiation of gastric cancer development.