Research Information System
Human Gene, vol.48, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
Prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression are fueled by a vast array of genomic alterations and significant epigenetic events. The specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and related molecular mechanisms that drive PCa genesis and aggressiveness have only been partially elucidated to date. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of two miRNAs, miR-34c-5p and miR-1246—both of which are known to be associated with the DNA double-strand break repair mechanism—in prostate malignancy. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR on tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 50 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer. miR-34c-5p was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues (0.31-fold, p = 0.001), whereas miR-1246 levels did not show a significant alteration (1.15-fold, p = 0.81). We found no significant correlations between the expression levels of either miR-34c-5p or miR-1246 and patient parameters (smoking status, nodule presence, hypertension, diabetes, Gleason, and PIRADS scores). However, miR-1246 expression showed a significant positive correlation with PSA levels in both normal (r = 0.369, p = 0.010) and tumor tissues (r = 0.594, p < 0.0001). Our finding of miR-34c-5p downregulation in tumor tissue is consistent with its tumor suppressor role and suggests that reduced levels may contribute to impaired DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells. Further research involving larger cohorts and functional studies (such as those targeting DNA repair mechanism molecules) is needed to fully elucidate the precise roles of these microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management of prostate cancer.