Differential expression profiles and functional analysis of plasma miRNAs associated with chronic myeloid leukemia phases.

<bold>Aim: </bold>This study was aimed to investigate the expression profiles and biological function of plasma miRNAs at different phases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).<bold>Materials& Methods: </bold>Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by microarray. The candidate miRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR at chronic phase, accelerated phase and blast crisis. The functional analysis of miRNAs was carried out by using DAVID.<bold>Results: </bold>The putative targets of dysregulated miRNAs were involved in important signaling pathways. Plasma let-7b-5p and miR-451a expression was lower in CML patients, and plasma miR-451a gradually decreased from chronic phase to accelerated phase and blast crisis.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>Dysregulated plasma miRNAs maybe play regulatory roles in pathogenesis of CML. Let-7b-5p and miR-451a can be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]