MiR-1 Variations in Colorectal Cancer: Possible Implementation as a Potential Accessory Biomarker

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common human cancers. Currently, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is used as the main standard biomarker of CRC, though this biomarker is not specifically made for CRC and, in a minority of cases, shows inadequate sensitivity. Therefore, searching for novel accessory biomarkers may fill these gaps in clinical management. miRNAs physiologically regulate various metabolic processes and are misregulated in various cancers. Therefore, the present investigation was conducted to evaluate miR-1 levels in CRC samples.

The CRC and adjacent tissue samples were obtained from 24 patients. In addition, sera were collected from the patient group and 24 healthy controls. Total RNA was extracted from tissue samples, and cDNA was synthesized. Real-time PCR determined the expression of miR-1. Serum levels of CEA were also measured using a Monobind ELISA assay kit.

The level of miR-1 in CRC tumors was significantly down-regulated. Moreover, patients with metastasis showed lower expression of miR-1 compared to cases without metastasis; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The ROC curve for miR-1 showed an AUC of 0.69. In addition, ROC analysis revealed a sensitivity of 70.27% and a specificity of 62.96% for miR-1.

There is still a need for new upcoming markers in addition to the main CRC biomarker, CEA. The levels of miR-1 in colorectal cancer tissue samples may provide additional information for the management and follow-up of CRC patients; though, the clinical application needs further studies.