Microrna expression is associated with colon adenocarcinoma and predicts poor prognosis and therapeutic outcome.

931Background:
 MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate the translation of specific genes. MicroRNA expression patterns are altered in tumors and may play a role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, microRNAs have potential as both diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer.
 Methods:
 MicroRNA microarray expression profiling of tumors and paired nontumorous tissues was performed on a test U.S. cohort of 84 subjects with incident colon adenocarcinoma. We evaluated associations with tumor status, TNM staging, survival prognosis and response to adjuvant chemotherapy. Associations were validated in a second, independent Chinese cohort of 113 subjects using quantitative RT-PCR. MicroRNA expression analysis was also performed on 18 pairs of adenoma and adjacent nonadenoma tissues using quantitative RT-PCR.
 Results:
 Thirty-seven microRNAs were differentially …