Abstract

miRNAs Associated with Aggressive Forms of Prostate Cancer

Aurora Esquela Kerscher, Assistant Professor, Eastern Virginia Medical School

MicroRNA (miRNA) misexpression is widely noted in human prostate cancer but little is known how non-coding RNA networks contribute in the underlying molecular progression of the disease and metastasis. We have developed expressed prostatic secretions in urine (EPS urine) as an innovative biomarker source for miRNA detection - prostatic fluids that are easily obtained non-invasively in the clinic during a standard urological exam. Our studies identified a subset of miRNAs in clinically annotated EPS urine specimens that could discriminate for high-grade and aggressive prostate cancers. We found that EPS urine-derived miRNAs, such as miR-888, which closely correlated with advanced disease, also played important functional roles in the prostate. Therefore, this work will aid in our characterization of promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this prevalent and deadly disease.