Exosomal MicroRNA signature acts as an efficient biomarker for non-invasive diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma

Through a three-step study that relies on biomarker discovery, training, and validation, we identified a set of five exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) that can be used to evaluate the risk of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), including miR-552-3p, miR-581, miR-4433a-3p, miR-496, and miR-203b-3p. When validated in 102 GBC patients and 112 chronic cholecystitis patients from multiple medical centers, the AUC of this combinatorial biomarker was 0.905, with a sensitivity of 81.37% and a specificity of 86.61%. The performance of this biomarker is superior to that of the standard biomarkers CA199 and CEA and is suited for GBC early diagnosis. The multi-clinicopathological features and prognosis of GBC patients were significantly associated with this biomarker. After building a miRNA-target gene regulation network, cell functions and signaling pathways regulated by these five miRNAs were examined. This biomarker signature can be used in the development of a noninvasive tool for GBC diagnosis, screening and prognosis prediction.

Automated summary

Through biomarker discovery, training, and validation, we have identified a combination of miRNAs that can evaluate the risk of gallbladder carcinoma. This biomarker outperforms standard markers and can be used for early diagnosis. It is also associated with clinicopathological features and prognosis, and regulates cell functions and signaling pathways. This biomarker combination has potential for noninvasive diagnosis, screening, and prognosis prediction for gallbladder carcinoma.