Tumor-educated platelet SNORA58, SNORA68 and SNORD93 as novel diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether tumor-educated platelet (TEP) snoRNAs could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for esophageal cancer (ESCA). Methods: Platelet precipitates were obtained from platelet-rich plasma by low-speed centrifugation, and total RNA was extracted from platelets using Trizol™ reagent. RT-qPCR was used to detect snoRNA expression, and the receiver operating characteristic was used to assess its diagnostic potential. Results: SNORA58, SNORA68 and SNORD93 were significantly upregulated in TEPs from ESCA patients and early-stage patients compared with healthy controls. Importantly, the three snoRNAs were capable of serving as circulating biomarkers of diagnostics and early diagnosis of ESCA, possessing areas under the curve of 0.846 and 0.857, respectively. Conclusion: TEP SNORA58, SNORA68 and SNORD93 could potentially serve as noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis and early diagnosis of ESCA.