Clinicopathological Analysis of miRNA Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues by Using miRNA In Situ Hybridization

Summary

Here we present a protocol to detect miRNA expression in breast cancer patient samples using miRNA in situ hybridization.

Abstract

In this article, we describe a detailed protocol for miRNA detection in breast cancer tissue using in situ hybridization with a digoxigenin-labelled LNA (Locked Nucleic Acid) probe. The probe was recognized by anti-DIG alkaline phosphatase antibodies and later developed using alkaline phosphatase substrate producing fluorescence signals. Here we utilized miRNA in situ hybridization (MISH) technique to analyze expression of miR-489 in tissues from breast cancer patients. This technique can detect the localization of miRNA of interest in individual tissue samples. This technique can be used to compare the expression of desired miRNA in tumor tissue with that in adjacent normal tissue and to identify the specific structures responsible for expressing this miRNA. This technique can be very useful in answering certain clinical questions, such as role of specific miRNA in the development of cancer. Our results indicate that mammary epithelial cells express significantly higher levels of miR-489 than adjacent tumor cells.

Introduction

Breast cancer is among the most common malignancies affecting the female population across the globe. Over 1.3 million cases of breast cancer are reported every year worldwide^1,2. Although tumor cells have been traditionally regarded as biologically homogenous and highly proliferative, it has become evident that breast cancer is genetically and clinically heterogeneous. Resistance to prevalent anticancer drugs is a hallmark of advanced breast cancers, leading to the mortality in the majority of patients through its facilitation of cancer progression and distance metastasis³.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNA ....

Protocol

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and University of South Carolina. TMA samples composed of breast cancer and matched adjacent normal breast tissues were provided by the Biobank of Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, a member of the Korea Biobank Network.

1. Solution Preparation

1. Prepare 1 L of DNase and RNase free water. Make all chemical solutions using diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) treated water. Treat 1 L of water with 500 µl of DEPC and incubate for 3 hr at room temperature. Autoclave the water to inactivate DEPC.
   Caution: Do not in....

Results

Human breast cancer tissue was used to determine miRNA-489 expression. Mammary gland duct and epithelial cells were found to express significantly higher miRNA-489 levels than adjacent tumor tissue in two patients (Figure 1A and 1B). This clearly demonstrates that miRNA-489 expression has been lost in tumor tissue, suggesting tumor suppressive activity of miRNA-489. To further confirm these results, tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue from the same pa.......

Discussion

The goal of this study was to determine the level of miRNA expression in breast cancer tissues using miRNA in situ hybridization. It must be noted that in this experiment, all conditions were optimized for breast cancer tissue. Further optimization might be required for other tissue types. All solutions must be made with DEPC water and all containers to be used should be rinsed with DEPC treated water and subsequently autoclaved. Even slight RNase contamination can interfere with the final outcome of the experim.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
ELF-97	Life technology	E6604
50x Denhard't	Life technology	750018
t-RNA	Roche	109541	Reconstitute in DEPC water
Herring Sperm DNA	Promega	D1815
Roche Blocking	Roche	11096176001
RVC	Fisher	50-812-650	Before use spin down it at 16.1 RCF and take supernatant
miR-489 probe	Exiqon	38599-01
Nuclease free BSA	Roche	711454
Primary antibody-anti DIG	Roche	11093274910
Diethyl Pyrocarbonate	Sigma	1609478