Identification of the differential expression profile of microRNAs for early detection of breast tumors and uterine cervix tumors in liquid biopsy sample

• Grant number: 22/12283-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Márcia Maria Chiquitelli Marques Silveira
• Grantee: Stéphanie Calfa
• Host Institution: Hospital do Câncer de Barretos. Fundação Pio XII (FP). Barretos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most incident type among women in the world and cervical cancer the fourth most frequent. Considering that early diagnosis and screening are strategies for the early detection of these two neoplasms, new diagnostic methodologies, based on molecular analyzes and performed on liquid biopsy samples, represent promising alternatives for minimally invasive exams. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are biomarkers that can be identified in liquid biopsy samples and regulate several Halmarks of breast cancer and cervical cancer. The aim of this study is to identify differentially expressed miRNAs with potential as minimally invasive biomarkers in the screening and early detection of breast and uterine cervix tumors in different liquid biopsy samples. This is a cross-sectional study with prospective collection of body fluid samples from 96 women for each topography, aged between 40 and 69 years (breast) and between 25 and 64 years (cervix). The sampling plan adopted for this study consisted of 48 cases and 48 controls for both topographies. Initially, the extraction of total RNA from plasma and urine samples will be performed for the breast group, and liquid-based cytology (LBC) and urine for the cervix group. Subsequently, the miRNA expression profile will be evaluated using NanoString technology, through the nCounter® miRNA Expression Assays panel. Finally, the statistical analysis of the data will be performed, and the construction of ROC curves for each marker and the calculation of the area under the ROC curve (AUC). We hope to identify differentially expressed miRNA signatures in different biological fluids in order to differentiate cancer patients from cancer-free women and to be used as initial diagnostic methods in the future. (AU)