Altered expression of microRNA-30a-3p in papillary thyroid cancer and its association with clinicopathological characteristics

A growing number of studies suggest a tumor suppressive role and potential prognostic significance of miR-30a-3p in different types of cancer. However, relatively few studies have focused on this microRNA in neoplastic thyroid lesions, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The aim of our study was to shed more light on the potential involvement and clinical relevance of miR-30a-3p in this type of cancer. We examined the expression levels of this microRNA in 42 pairs of PTCs and matched non-tumor thyroid tissues using quantitative RT-PCR. We analyzed their association with clinical and histopathological parameters. The results revealed that miR-30a-3p was significantly downregulated in the majority of PTC tissues compared to corresponding non-tumor tissues. Moreover, decreased expression of miR-30a-3p was associated with advanced clinical stage, presence of multiple tumor foci and capsular invasion, suggesting a role in aggressive disease. Although the role of this microRNA and its prognostic utility remain to be elucidated, the presented data suggest that downregulated expression of miR-30a-3p indicates poorer prognosis in PTC patients, warranting further investigations. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. ON173049]