Association of hsa-miR‐5571-5p Expression with Clinicopathological Factors besides Identification of its Hub Target Genes and Key Pathway in Breast Cancer

miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs; regulate gene expression using RNA degradation or translation repression. Dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in the initiation and progression of many cancers. We aimed to determine the relationship between miR-5571-5p expression and clinical factors and regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer.

Histopathologic sections approximately with 25 microns thick from FFPE tissues were achievement of Al-Zahra Hospital (Isfahan, Iran) in 2020-2021 years by Pathologist. miR-5571-5p expression, determined using real-time PCR. For miRNA target genes prediction, integrated miRNA target prediction tools, were used. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were accomplished to identify the biological function. A PPI network was constructed to display key target genes. For hub genes validation, GEPIA databases were used.

miR-5571-5p was upregulated in breast tumor tissues, and its increase was significantly related to a poor prognosis in breast cancer (P<0.0001). At first, 324 target genes were predicted, and then 110 genes with a decrease in expression were selected. GO analysis showed that genes were mainly enriched in the regulation of the ERBB2 and EGFR signaling pathway. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that downregulated genes were enriched in glioma, the ErbB signaling pathway, and breast cancer. Finally, the ten hub genes (EGF, PIK3R1, SOS1, PTEN, SHC1, CBLB, LIFR, LEP, PDE1C, and NT5C2) were detected from the PPI network.

miR-5571-5p up-regulation is associated with breast cancer progression and worse survival. The current study identified ten genes associated with breast cancer, which might help to provide candidate targets for the treatment.