Background and Aims: Colorectal cancer contributes substantially to global cancer mortality, ranking among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Studies have linked its development to diminished expression of the SLC4A4 gene alongside elevated levels of the microRNAs hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-106a-5p. This study examines hsa-circRNA-001587 and hsa-circ-0004872 to determine their utility as population-based markers for colorectal cancer detection. By focusing on these circRNAs, the investigation aims to contribute valuable insights into CRC diagnostics.
Methods: This investigation leveraged population-based data by retrieving thirty matched pairs of colorectal carcinoma and adjacent non-tumoral tissues from patients 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. RNA extraction and analysis focused on hsa-circRNA-001587 and hsa-circ-0004872, with validation carried out through reverse transcription qPCR and Sanger sequencing.
Results: Our findings indicated that hsa-circRNA-001587 and hsa-circ-0004872 were reduced by 1.34-fold and 2.19-fold, respectively, in CRC specimens compared with matched adjacent non-tumorous tissues, although these differences did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Furthermore, our statistical analysis demonstrated a robust and significant link 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: Although the non-significant downregulation-likely reflecting our small sample size-suggests caution, hsa-circ-0004872 and hsa-circRNA-001587 probably act as tumor suppressors via the hsa-circ-0004872/hsa-circRNA-001587/hsa-miR-223-3p/hsa-miR-106a-5p/SLC4A4 axis, warranting further evaluation in serum and plasma as CRC diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.