OBJECTIVETo study microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lymph node metastasis of supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas(SGLSCC).

METHODSPrimary tumor tissue samples of 12 SGLSCC patients were collected, including 6 patients clinically diagnosed with lymph nodes metastasis (N(+)) and 6 patients with lymph nodes metastasis-free (N0), for miRNA microarray gene-expression profiling to identify the differences between N(+) and N0 groups. Differentially expressed miRNAs was verified using quantitative real-time PCR in 20 patients with N(+) and 20 patients with N0. Target genes for the miRNAs associated with EMT in SGLSCC metastasis were analyzed.

RESULTSTen miRNAs differentially expressed between N(+) group and N0 group were determined. Comparing with N0 group, nine miRNAs were over-expressed and one miRNA was expressed at lower level in N(+) group. The genes for miR-192, miR-143, miR-409 and miR-634 were predicted as target genes that could promote EMT of laryngeal cancer cells by targeted inhibiting Krüppel-like factor 17(KLF17), E-cadherin and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K).

CONCLUSIONSThe miRNAs over-expressed in group N(+) can be used to predict cervical lymph node metastasis in SGLSCC. The miRNAs as new markers could improve the diagnosis and treatment of SGLSCC.