Differential Expression of microRNAs in Medulloblastoma and the Potential Functional Consequences.

AIM: To identify differentially expressed microRNAs in medulloblastoma, and to investigate their biological function. MATERIAL and METHODS: Differentially expressed microRNAs were identified using gene chips, and significantly different microRNAs were selected for verification using real time quantitative PCR. Potential target genes and their biological pathways were predicted by bioinformatics software. RESULTS: Our analysis identified two microRNAs, hsa-miR-208a-3p and hsa-miR-1207-5p, which were significantly downregulated in medulloblastoma. Bioinformatics analysis identified potential target genes in the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways, including NLK, RAPGEF2, CACNA2D1, DUSP3, MAPK8IP3. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of hsa-miR-208a-3p and hsa-miR-1207-5p may be involved in the occurrence of medulloblastoma, through modulations of the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways.