Identification of melanoma-specific exosomal miRNAs as the potential biomarker for canine oral melanoma

Considering the importance of the canine cancer model of human disease, as well as the need for strategies for canine cancer management, the properties of exosomes are an emerging topic in canine oncology. In our study, exosomal RNA was isolated and investigated by next-generation sequencing. We identified several differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in the exosomes of two melanoma cell lines compared with non-tumor reference exosomes. We explored these potential melanoma-specific exosomal miRNAs further and found that miR-143 and let-7b increased in primary, whereas miR-210, 708, 221, and 222 increased in metastatic site originated melanoma cells. Further analysis showed miR-143 and 221 significantly increased in plasma exosomes of metastatic melanoma patients. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity are >85% for differentiating the non-metastatic and metastatic patients. Therefore, these miRNAs can be an incredible biomarker candidate to identify metastatic melanoma and facilitate a better prognosis.

Automated summary

This study identified several differentially expressed miRNAs in exosomes of canine melanoma cells, with certain miRNAs significantly increased in plasma exosomes of metastatic melanoma patients. These miRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers for identifying metastatic melanoma and improving prognosis, with sensitivity and specificity over 85% for distinguishing between non-metastatic and metastatic patients.