LAUSR

We identified a group of miRNA genes whose methylation is associated with ovarian cancer metastasis. Based on these data, new markers and the systems of markers predicting tumor dissemination were selected. Using methylation-specific PCR and a representative set of 54 ovarian cancer samples, we identified 10 microRNA genes (MIR-124a-2, MIR-127, MIR-125b-1, MIR-129-2, MIR-137, MIR-193a, MIR-203a, MIR-34b/c, MIR-130b, and MIR-1258) whose methylation is associated with tumor metastasis. The greatest association was established for 4 genes: MIR-137, MIR-193a, MIR-34b/c, and MIR-130b (p<0.01). ROC analysis revealed 3 most optimal marker systems including 4-5 miRNA genes and characterized by high sensitivity (82-94%) and specificity (76-86%) at AUC=0.89-0.92. Methylation of any three genes from these systems is sufficient to predict metastasis with the specified accuracy. Detection of the group of hypermethylated miRNA genes with predictive value for ovarian cancer metastasis is of great importance for personalized treatment of the patients.