Screening of key miRNAs and evaluation of their diagnostic and prognostic values in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of microRNA (miRNA/miR) in cancer genesis and progression. The aim of the current study was to identify the key miRNAs involved in the onset and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to further evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic values. Microarray data were obtained and analyzed to screen differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between patients with NPC and healthy controls. The target genes of the DEMs were predicted and their possible functions were evaluated. The diagnostic and prognostic values of the DEMs were subsequently investigated. A total of 4 DEMs, including miR-18a, miR-135b, miR-204 and miR-497, were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes were enriched in a number of GO terms and signaling pathways. The results demonstrated that the selected DEMs may present potential diagnostic factors for NPC. In addition, miR-18a [Hazard ratio (HR), 3.405; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.334-8.693] and miR-135b (HR, 2.482; 95% CI, 1.014-6.076) may serve prognostic roles for patients with NPC. In summary, the present study identified 4 miRNAs that may be involved in the genesis and development of NPC. In addition, miR-18a and miR-135b may present useful prognostic markers for patients with NPC. Future in vitro and in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate the results obtained in the current study.