A C->T Variation in 3′-Untranslated Region Elevates MED12 Protein Level in Breast Cancer That Relates to Better Prognosis

Objective: Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is among the most frequently mutated genes in various types of human cancers. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the role of MED12 in breast cancer patient. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the roles of MED12 in breast cancer. Materials and Methods: We utilized the UALCAN platform (http://ualcan.path.uab.edu/) for analyzing the transcriptional expression, protein expression, and protein phosphorylation data of MED12. Our study involved 35 breast cancer patients. From these samples, we extracted proteins and RNA. To obtain the sequence of MED12 3 '-UTR, we performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. We then used TargetScan to predict the miRNA targets of MED12 3 '-UTR and confirmed the interactions between miRNAs and MED12 3 '-UTR through dual luciferase assay. Results: The protein level of MED12 was upregulated in breast cancer, while the mRNA level did not show significant changes. Interestingly, higher levels of MED12 mRNA were associated with better prognosis, whereas patients with increased MED12 protein levels tended to have a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, through our analysis of the MED12 3 '-UTR sequence, we identified a specific C->T variation that was unique to breast tumors. We also identified four miRNAs (miR-204, -211, -450 b, and -518a) that directly target MED12 3 '-UTR. Most important, this C->T variation disrupts the interaction between MED12 3 '-UTR and miR-450b, ultimately leading to the upregulation of MED12 in breast cancer. Conclusion: Our study revealed a significant finding regarding a mutation site in the MED12 3 '-UTR that contributes to the upregulation of MED12 in breast cancer. This mutation disrupts the interactions between specific miRNAs and MED12 mRNA, leading to increased expression of MED12. These findings have important implications for breast cancer diagnosis, as this mutation site can serve as a potent biomarker.