Targets of MiRNAs in lung cancer related pathways as predictors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation. The mechanisms underlying COPD remain unclear. Identifying expression patterns of miRNAs and mRNAs in COPD may enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of disease. In the current study, we used miRNA and mRNA expression profiling data of lung tissue from smokers with and without COPD to examine the miRNA-targets regulations and gene expression patterns in enriched lung cancer-related pathways. Firstly, we identified 40 differentially expressed miRNAs that exhibit significant differential expression in the COPD samples compared to normal samples. Then, we conducted target prediction and pathway enrichment analysis with these miRNAs to investigate potential associated genes and pathway targets. From those significant enriched pathways, we specially selected two lung cancer-related pathways: Small cell lung cancer pathway and Non-small cell lung cancer pathway. Finally, we examined the miRNA-targets regulations and gene expression patterns in these two pathways. Our results suggested that the targets of miRNAs in lung cancer-related pathways can be as predictors of COPD. Investigating miRNA-targets relationships may further help our understanding of the mechanisms of lung diseases.