Differentially Expressed MiRNAs Associated with Circulating Tumor Cell Status in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest the promising potential of microRNAs (miRNA) in predicting the status of circulating tumor cells (CTC), and their combined analyses could pave the way for significant advancements in assessing the risk of metastatic cancer. Here, we investigate the circulating miRNA signatures associated with CTC status in metastatic CRC (mCRC). The CTC status was assessed using AdnaTest ColonCancer technology, which detects tumor cells using an immunomagnetic approach and characterizes them based on colon-specific surface markers. The miRNA profiles were then analyzed using the Agilent miRNA microarray platform in 8 CTC-positive, 8 CTC-negative, and eight healthy individuals. The functional implications of dysregulated miRNAs and their interactions with target mRNAs, TFs, and lncRNAs were determined through a comprehensive in silico analysis. We identified two groups of downregulated miRNAs associated with CTC status/metastasis and multiple candidate biomarkers in suggested miRNA regulatory networks. Four miRNAs (miR-181c-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-500b-5p, miR-769-5p) were prioritized as findings were consistent with their tissue expressions in TCGA datasets. Our findings reveal candidate biomarkers with potential for CTC status and mCRC-associated CTC detection, providing insights for new translational medicine applications in mCRC management. Microarray analysis of miRNA expression level is performed on 24 whole blood samples from 16 mCRC patients (8 CTC positive mCRC and 8 CTC negative mCRC) and 8 matching healthy individuals.