OBJECTIVETo study the difference of microRNA (miRNA) expression between two groups of early stage (pT1N0) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who had different outcome and the prognostic significance of different miRNA in metastatic of early ESCC, and to identify useful prognostic markers in the selection of appropriate treatment for early ESCC patients.

METHODSTaqMan human miRNA arrays and bioinformatics were used to detect and analyze the expression profiles of miRNAs in the two groups, and RT-PCR was used to verify the differences in miRNA expression.

RESULTSThe miRNA arrays revealed a total of 41 markedly changed miRNAs in the survival group compared with the death group. Bioinformatics analysis, prediction and significant function analyses of targeted genes and pathway analysis identified that miR-27a, miR-143 and miR-886-5p levels were increased or decreased by seven-folds or more. The enriched target genes were GRB2, SOS1, MAPK1, EGFR, CBL, SPRY2, RPS6KA5, IGF1R, NGFR, MAPK14 and CREB1. These genes were significantly related to the following signaling pathways, i.e.Sprouty regulation of tyrosine kinase signals pathway, Erk1/Erk2 Mapk signaling pathway and transcription factor CREB and its extracellular signals.

CONCLUSIONSmiR-27a, miR-886-5p, and miR-143 may be potential prognostic markers of metastasis for early ESCC. The detection of these miRNAs plays a directive role for the treatment options of early ESCC. The regulation of targeted genes and mechanism remain to be further studied.