Significance of MALAT1 Long Non-coding RNA and miR-20a-5p in regulating epithelial mesenchymal transition in luminal breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is a serious health concern and the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Non-coding RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs are crucial in regulating biological processes that contribute to breast cancer development. MALAT1, a long non-coding RNA, is pivotal in the progression of breast cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for cell movement during embryonic development. Clarifying this role could pave various avenues for developing innovative strategies for combating this type of malignancy. The present study aimed to determine the associations between MALAT1 levels, relevant miRNAs (miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR93-5p, and miR-146a-5p) and EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin, Twist, SNAI1, Slug, ZEB1, and ZEB2) in luminal breast cancer patients. Fresh tissues were collected from fifty patients and twenty noncancerous controls. Differential expression of the markers was evaluated using qRT-PCR assay. Spearman Rho test assessed the relationship between the expression levels. Linear regression test evaluated the correlation between the parameters and various clinico-pathological features. MALAT1 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues. Overexpression of miR-20a-5p, and ZEB2 was reported, whereas miR146a-5p, ZEB1 and Vimentin levels were suppressed. miR-20a-5p expression was positively correlated with those of SNAI1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Slug and was significantly associated with family history and tumor site. In conclusion, MALAT1 and miR-20a-5p play crucial roles in luminal breast cancer development and progression. Furthermore, miR-20a-5p plays an oncogenic role by enhancing the EMT process. Finally, MALAT1 and miR-20a-5p might serve as potential therapeutic targets in luminal breast cancer.