Differential Expression of microRNAs in Cervical Cancer and Cervical Precancerous Lesions

Objective To identify potential miRNA involved in cervical cancer and cervical precancerous lesions. Methods miRNA microarray was applied to compare the miRNA expression profile in cervical cancer, cervical precancerous lesions and normal cervical tissues．Real-time quantificative RT-PCR was used to validate the expressions for 4 miRNAs in 60 cervical tissues. Bioinformaties programs were used to analyze potential target genes and their foundation. Results Differential miRNAs were identified in cervical cancer and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). MiR-218 was most down-regulated (0.175-fold) and miR-21 was most up-regulated (5.68-fold) . Meanwhile, real-time quantitative RT-PCR result accorded with miRNA microarray result. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the target genes of miR-218 and miR-21 may be involved in cancer invasion and metastasis．Conclusion miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in human cervical cancer and cervical precancerous lesions. These miRNAs may be involved in cervical carcinogenesis as potential tumor suppressor genes or oncogen．