TEP SNORD12B, SNORA63, and SNORD14E as novel biomarkers for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC)

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The alterations of RNA profile in tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) have been described as a novel biosource for cancer diagnostics. This study aimed to explore the potential snoRNAs in TEP as biomarkers for diagnostics of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC). Methods Platelets were isolated using low-speed centrifugation and subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for snoRNAs detection. Results Down-regulated SNORD12B and SNORD14E as well as up-regulated SNORA63 were identified in TEP from HBV-related HCC, which could act as diagnostic biomarkers for HBV-related HCC as well as the early disease. Besides, TEP SNORD12B, SNORD14E, and SNORA63 facilitate the diagnostic performance of AFP and achieve favorable diagnostics efficiency for HBV-related HCC when combined with platelet parameters. Conclusions Aberrant expression of SNORD12B, SNORA63, and SNORD14E in TEPs could serve as the novel and non-invasive biomarkers for HBV-related HCC diagnosis.