Prognostic value of miR-106a and miR-20a in AML patients with chemotherapy or allo-HSCT treatment

MiR-106a and miR-20a (miR-17 family members) are frequently dysregulated in carcinogenesis, but their prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. We analyzed miR-106a and miR-20a expression in bone marrow from 115 AML patients and 45 healthy controls using qRT-PCR. Additionally, we utilized TCGA data (n=188) to assess the association of these miRNAs with clinical factors and outcomes. Prognostic analysis evaluated the impact of miR-106a and miR-20a on overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using Limma. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed by DAVID. GSEA and PPI were constructed using ClusterProfiler and STRING database. MiR-106a and miR-20a elevated in AML <i>versus</i> healthy controls. In chemotherapy group, miR-106a^high or miR-20a^high predicted poor OS and EFS, with dual-high expression conferring the worst outcome. In allo-HSCT group, miR-106a^high or miR-20a^high predicted poor OS but similar EFS, with dual-high cases showing the worst OS. In the miR-106a^high or miR-20a^high group, allo-HSCT prolonged OS (but not EFS) <i>versus</i> chemotherapy. In the miR-106a^low or miR-20a^low group, there were no obvious differences in OS or EFS between the chemotherapy and allo-HSCT regimens. Multivariable analyses confirmed miR-106a/miR-20a signature as an independent prognostic marker. Moreover, we identified 706 signature-associated DEGs. Bioinformatic analysis illuminated the involvement of miR-106a and miR-20a in regulating diverse biological processes and signaling pathways. MiR-106a and miR-20a are promising AML prognostic biomarkers for adverse outcome. The combined signature improves risk stratification and guides therapy selection (e.g., ⁣allo-HSCT for high-risk cases).