Background: DLK1-DIO3 genomic region comprises one of the largest microRNA (miRNAs) clusters in human genome. In previous studies we showed the downregulation of several miRNAs from the genomic region in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Due to the large number of miRNAs within this region the individual contribution of these molecules to PTC development and progression remains unclear.
Methods: We used different computational resources to clarify the contribution of DLK1-DIO3-derived miRNAs to PTC.
Results: Our analysis suggests that 12 miRNAs from this region cooperate to modulate distinct cancer-relevant biological processes, potentially responding for most of the impact of DLK1-DIO3-derived miRNAs to PTC development and progression. The overexpression of miR-485-5p in two PTC cell lines decreased proliferation and migration, confirming the biological relevance of in silico data.
Conclusion: Our results shed light on the role of DLK1-DIO3 region, harboring several tumor suppressor miRNAs in thyroid cancer and open perspectives for the functional exploration of these miRNAs as therapeutic targets for PTC.