Integrative Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Novel Biomarkers in Wilms Tumor

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aimed to identify relevant transcriptomic universal biomarkers for Wilms tumor, the most common pediatric kidney cancer, independent of the histological type and stage. Methods: Using next-generation sequencing, we analyzed the miRNA profiles of 74 kidney samples, which were divided into two independent groups: fresh frozen tissue and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Subsequent mRNA expression profiling and pathway analysis were performed to define the interplay and potential involvement of miRNAs and mRNA in Wilms tumor. Results: Comparative analysis revealed 41 differentially expressed miRNAs, with 27 miRNAs having decreased expression and 14 miRNAs having increased expression in Wilms tumor tissue compared to healthy kidney tissue. Among global mRNA transcriptomic profile differences, cross-sectional analysis suggested only a limited list of genes potentially regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs in Wilms tumor. Conclusions: Overall, our study is the first to determine the complete comprehensive miRNA and mRNA profiling of Wilms tumor using a multi-omics next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics approach, providing better insights into Wilms tumor pathogenesis. Identified universal Wilms tumor miRNAs have clear potential as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of Wilms tumor, regardless of histological subtype and disease stage.