Urinary exosomal expression of long non-coding RNAs as diagnostic marker in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and exosomes have been regarded as components of cell signal transmission that modulate indigenous cellular microenvironments. Exosomes also participate in relocation of functional lncRNAs between cells.

METHODS

In the present study, we evaluated expression of LINC00355, LINC00958, UCA1-201, UCA1-203, and MALAT1 lncRNAs in urinary exosomes isolated from transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of bladder, non-malignant urinary disorders, and normal subjects.

RESULTS

LINC00355, UCA1-203, and MALAT1 expression was significantly higher in TCC patients compared to controls (non-malignant or normal samples). However, UCA1-201 expression was significantly decreased in TCC patients compared with controls. LINC00355 and MALAT1 expression was significantly lower in cigarette smokers and opium-addicted TCC patients, respectively. On the other hand, LINC00355 expression tended to be higher in opium-addicted TCC patients. The proposed panel of lncRNAs (composed of UCA1-201, UCA1-203, MALAT1, and LINC00355) had 92% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity for diagnosis of bladder cancer from normal samples.

CONCLUSION

Transcript levels of lncRNAs in urinary exosomes are potential diagnostic bio-markers in bladder cancer.