Differential expression of microRNA species in human uterine leiomyoma versus normal myometrium

Objective

To determine whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed in human leiomyoma versus matched myometrial tissue.

Design

Microarray with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) validation.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patient(s)

Premenopausal subjects (n = 15), who were undergoing hysterectomies for leiomyoma-related symptoms.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Statistically differential expression of miRNAs in leiomyoma versus myometrium.

Result(s)

Forty-six miRNA species were differentially expressed in leiomyoma versus normal myometrium. Of these, 19 were overexpressed and 27 were underexpressed in leiomyomas. The changes ranged from 1.2-fold to 11.8-fold. These findings were confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR for selected miRNAs (miRNAs 21, 34a, 125b, 139, and 323).

Conclusion(s)

Our findings indicate that miRNAs are differentially expressed between human leiomyoma and matched myometrium. Given this differential expression, miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma and may serve as future therapeutic targets for the treatment of these tumors.

Key Words: miRNA, microarray, uterine leiomyoma, myometrium