Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the expression profiles and biological function of plasma miRNAs at different phases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Materials & methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by microarray. The candidate miRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR at chronic phase, accelerated phase and blast crisis. The functional analysis of miRNAs was carried out by using DAVID.
Results: The putative targets of dysregulated miRNAs were involved in important signaling pathways. Plasma let-7b-5p and miR-451a expression was lower in CML patients, and plasma miR-451a gradually decreased from chronic phase to accelerated phase and blast crisis.
Conclusion: Dysregulated plasma miRNAs maybe play regulatory roles in pathogenesis of CML. Let-7b-5p and miR-451a can be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CML.
Keywords: chronic myeloid leukemia; expression profile; let-7b-5p; miR-451a; plasma miRNA.