The aim of the present study was to identify the differentially expressed
microRNAs (DEMs) between
Lynch syndrome (LS) and the normal colonic (N-C) control samples, predict the target genes (TGs) and analyze the potential functions of the DEMs and TGs. The
miRNA expression dataset GSE30454, which included data of 13 LS and 20 N-C tissue samples, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The classical t-test in Linear Models for Microarray Data package was used for DEM identification. TG prediction was performed using 5 databases. The regulatory network of the DEMs and their TGs was constructed using Cytoscape. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The
transcription factors (TFs),
tumor-associated genes (TAG) and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) were then identified. Three key DEMs
hsa-miR-137, hsa-miR-520e, and hsa-miR-590-3p were identified. Hsa-miR-520e and
hsa-miR-137 had 4 common TGs, including SNF related
kinase,
metal-regulatory
transcription factor 1 (MTF1), round spermatid basic
protein 1 and YTH
N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 3; hsa-miR-590-3p and
hsa-miR-137 had 14 common TGs, including
NCK adaptor protein 1 (NCK1),
EPH receptor A7, and stress-associated endoplasmic reticulum
protein 1; hsa-miR-590-3p and hsa-miR-520e had 12 common TGs, including Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 13, twinfilin
actin binding protein 1, and
nuclear factor I B. Through the functional and pathway enrichments analysis, MTF1 was involved in regulation of gene expression and metabolic processes, and sequence-specific
DNA binding TF activity. KLF13 was involved in regulation of gene expression and regulation of cellular metabolic processes. NCK1 was enriched in the axon guidance pathway. In addition, the functional and pathway enrichment analysis showed certain TGs, such as
hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, AKT
serine/threonine kinase 2, and
rapamycin-insensitive companion of
mammalian target of rapamycin, participated in the mTOR signaling pathway. The 3 key DEMs
hsa-miR-137, hsa-miR-520e, and hsa-miR-590-3p may have important roles in the process of LS.