MicroRNA Profiling of Low-Grade and Transformed Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma Reveals a Similar Signature Pattern Distinct from Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

Background/Aims: As critical post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, microRNAs are involved in several cellular processes of vital impact including cell growth and apoptosis. Many hematologic malignancies exhibit distinct microRNA signatures. MicroRNA implication in the pathogenesis of nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL), however, remains widely elusive. Methods: Comprehensive morphologic, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic studies were carried out on a cohort of NMZL (n = 30) incorporating indolent as well as transformed MZL. In addition, microRNA signatures were generated, employing a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction approach. These were then compared to signatures from cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) alongside reactive lymph node controls. Results: While microRNA signatures of low-grade and transformed NMZL did not differ significantly, several microRNAs were differentially expressed between transformed NMZL and DLBCL, hinting at molecularly distinct mechanisms of lymphomagenesis and indicating the biological disparity of transformed NMZL from DLBCL. Conclusion: In the light of the unresolved issue regarding the classification of marginal zone-derived transformed B-cell neoplasms, microRNAs may be a valuable aid in discriminating NMZL from DLBCL. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

Transformed Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma versus Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: The MicroRNA Aspect

“…To date, there are only two studies evaluating the miRNA signature of NMZL [3,5]. Both are in agreement with Gebauer et al [4] regarding the fact that very few miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in NMZL compared to normal lymph nodes. Hopefully, miRNA expression patterns will elucidate the biologic similarities and differences between NMZL and the two other entities of MZL.…”

“…They studied the miRNA profile of low-grade versus transformed NMZL in comparison to DLBCL. They elegantly show that the pattern of miRNA expression between low-grade and transformed NMZL is very similar, while it differs from the one observed in DLBCL [4]. These findings offer important information regarding the biology of NMZL and indicate that the increased presence of large cells might be a disease-specific characteristic that does not necessarily mean transformation to a more aggressive entity.…”

“…It appears that different patterns of over- or underexpression of various miRNAs are associated with specific histologic subtypes [3]. In this issue of Acta Haematologica , Gebauer et al [4] investigate the controversial issue of large cells in NMZL. They studied the miRNA profile of low-grade versus transformed NMZL in comparison to DLBCL.…”

<p>Non-Coding RNAs in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma</p>

“…Gebauer et al concluded that the 10 miRNA signatures, which yielded independent biological characterizations of DLBCL and transformed nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL), may be a valuable aid in discriminating between NMZL and DLBCL. 50 Moreover, four miRNAs, including miR-330, miR17-5p, miR-106a, and miR-210, were found to discriminate DLBCL, FL, and lymph nodes (LNs) with an overall accuracy of 98%. 51 Regarding the differentiation between DLBCL and FL, one study identified that the expression levels of miR-20b, miR-26a, miR-92b, and miR-487b were lower in DLBCL than in FL.…”

New developments in the pathology of malignant lymphoma: a review of the literature published from October 2014–December 2014

“…Gebauer et al [21] collected 30 NMZL en performed microRNA profiling on low grade cases and cases that transformed to DLBL. While microRNA signatures of low-grade and transformed NMZL did not differ significantly, several microRNAs were differentially expressed between transformed NMZL and de novo DLBL.…”