Tumor-Educated Platelet LncRNA MALAT-1; Expression Levels and Clinical Potential as a Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background:

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have more and more investigated as novel and valuable biomarkers in cancers. We aimed to examine the expression and potential diagnostic value of two oncogenic lncRNAs, MALAT-1 and ROR, in tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Materials and Methods:

The expression levels of TEP lncRNAs were analyzed in 68 patients with CRC and 68 healthy individuals by a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The differential expression of lncRNAs was examined, and diagnostic values were obtained.

Results:

TEP lncRNA MALAT-1 expression levels were significantly increased (P=0.044) in patients with CRC compared to healthy individuals. The expression levels of lncRNA ROR did not show a significant change (P=0.672) between patients with CRC and healthy individuals. Moreover, a significant correlation between MALAT-1 and tumor differentiation and lymphovascular invasion (P<0.05) was detected. TEP lncRNA MALAT-1 showed a diagnostic potential by sensitivity 63% and specificity 66% with AUC 0.66.

Conclusion:

LncRNA MALAT-1 is upregulated in TEPs from patients with CRC and has potential clinical value as a cancer biomarker.