Assessment of Cell-Free microRNA by NGS Whole-Transcriptome Analysis in Cutaneous Melanoma Patients' Blood.

Publication Title

Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)

Authors

Kevin Tran, Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California.Follow
Rebecca Gross, Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, JWCI at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA.Follow
Negin Rahimzadeh, Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.Follow
Shanthy Chenathukattil, Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, JWCI at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA.Follow
Dave Hoon, Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, JWCI at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA.Follow
Matias A Bustos, Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa MonicaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Keywords

genomics; california; santa monica; jwci; Circulating MicroRNA; Gene Expression Profiling; Humans; Melanoma; RNA, Neoplasm; Skin Neoplasms; Transcriptome

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small RNA molecules (18-22 nucleotides) that regulate the transcriptome at a post-transcriptional level by affecting the expression of specific genes. This regulatory mechanism is critical to maintain cell homeostasis and specific functions. Aberrant expression of miRs have been associated with pathobiological processes including cancer. There are few technologies available that are able to profile whole-genome miR expression using minimal amounts of blood samples and without the need for time-consuming extraction steps. Here, we describe the HTG EdgeSeq miR Whole-Transcriptome Assay (WTA) in serum and plasma samples. To identify specific cell-free miR (cfmiR) patterns we have first focused on the analysis of normal donor samples and have then compared these to patients with cutaneous melanoma. The identification of specific cfmiR for melanoma patients will allow for better patient surveillance during targeted and/or checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (CII) treatment.

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology