High-throughput Sequencing Analysis of Differentially Expressed microRNAs Associated With SREBP1 in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Background/Aim: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interact with mRNAs and play important roles in progression and prognosis in multiple cancers. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) is an important lipid metabolism regulatory gene. The aim of the present study was to analyze the profiles of miRNAs that are associated with SREBP1 expression in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Materials and Methods: In the present study, a high-throughput small RNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) method was used to investigate differences in miRNA profiling with versus without interference with SREBP1 expression via small interfering RNA. Real-time qPCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm the results. Results: A total of 1,393 conserved and 84 novel miRNAs were successfully discovered. In two separate batches, a total of 27 differentially expressed miRNAs (11 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated) were observed in BCPAP cells after SREBF1 interference with two distinct siRNA fragments, as compared to the control siRNA treatment. Hsa-miR-941, hsa-miR-27a-5p, hsa-miR-29a-3p, hsa-miR-100-5p, and hsa-miR-21-3p were selected for validation using qRT-PCR. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the sequencing data. Gene Ontology enrichment showed that the predicted targets of these miRNAs were mainly involved in the regulation of system development, metabolism and protein binding cellular processes, and metabolic processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways analysis showed that the predicted target genes were involved in several signaling pathways, including the Ras, MAPK, insulin, thyroid hormone, and metabolic pathway signaling pathways. Conclusion: Differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes may play an important role in the progression and prognosis of DTC that is associated with SREBP1 expression.