Background and Aims:Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge, with elevated mortality rates. Previous research has implicated reduced SLC4A4 levels and increased expression of hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-106a-5p in CRC. This study explores the diagnostic potential of hsa-circRNA-001587 and hsa-circ-0004872 in CRC within a population-based framework. By focusing on these circRNAs, the investigation aims to contribute valuable insights into CRC diagnostics.
Methods: In this population-based study, tissue samples from 30 pairs of CRC and adjacent normal tissues were collected at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Valiasr Hospital in Birjand, Iran. Systematic patient recruitment, comprehensive data collection, and rigorous tissue sample procedures were employed. The focus of RNA extraction and analysis was on hsa-circRNA-001587 and hsa-circ-0004872, with validation carried out through reverse transcription qPCR and Sanger sequencing.
Results: Our results indicated a notable reduction in the expression of hsa-circRNA-001587 (downregulated by 1.34-fold) and hsa-circ-0004872 (downregulated by 2.19-fold) in CRC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (p-value > 0.05). Furthermore, our statistical analysis revealed a robust and significant association between hsa-circ-0004872 and hsa-circRNA-001587, suggesting that an increase in one corresponds consistently with an increase in the other (p-value ≤ 0.001, r = 0.81).
Conclusion: Hsa-circ-0004872 and hsa-circRNA-001587, which act as tumor suppressors in CRC through a novel hsa-circ-0004872/hsa-circRNA-001587/hsa-miR-223-3p/hsa-miR-106a-5p/SLC4A4 axis, could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC treatment. Further investigations in serum, plasma, and cell lines are needed for a comprehensive understanding.