Diagnostic Potential of Exosomal microRNAs in Colorectal Cancer

• Published in: Diagnostics (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 6; p. 1413
• Main Authors: Dohmen, Jonas, Semaan, Alexander, Kobilay, Makbule, Zaleski, Martin, Branchi, Vittorio, Schlierf, Anja, Hettwer, Karina, Uhlig, Steffen, Hartmann, Gunther, Kalff, Jörg C, Matthaei, Hanno, Lingohr, Philipp, Holdenrieder, Stefan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 08-06-2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Age; Antigens; biomarker; Biomarkers; Colonoscopy; Colorectal cancer; colorectal carcinoma; exosome; Gene expression; microRNA; MicroRNAs; Nanoparticles; Tumors; Germany; microRNA; colorectal carcinoma; biomarker; exosome
• ISSN: 2075-4418; 2075-4418
• DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061413

Background: Despite the significance of colonoscopy for early diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC), population-wide screening remains challenging, mainly because of low acceptance rates. Herein, exosomal (exo-miR) and free circulating microRNA (c-miR) may be used as liquid biopsies in CRC to identify individuals at risk. Direct comparison of both compartments has shown inconclusive results, which is why we directly compared a panel of 10 microRNAs in this entity. Methods: Exo-miR and c-miR levels were measured using real-time quantitative PCR after isolation from serum specimens in a cohort of 69 patients. Furthermore, results were compared to established tumor markers CEA and CA 19-9. Results: Direct comparison of exo- and c-miR biopsy results showed significantly higher microRNA levels in the exosomal compartment (p < 0.001). Exo-Let7, exo-miR-16 and exo-miR-23 significantly differed between CRC and healthy controls (all p < 0.05), while no c-miR showed this potential. Sensitivity and specificity can be further enhanced using combinations of multiple exosomal miRNAs. Conclusions: Exosomal microRNA should be considered as a promising biomarker in CRC for future studies. Nonetheless, results may show interference with common comorbidities, which must be taken into account in future studies.