Exosome-derived miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma chemotherapy resistance

Aim: To analyze the expression profiles, clinicopathological features and chemotherapeutic efficacies of exosome-derived miRNAs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Materials & methods: Next-generation sequencing technique was performed to identify miRNA profiles in exosomes from parental and chemoresistant DLBCL cells. The results were validated by quantitative real-time PCR, and further analyzed by bioinformatics and statistical methods. Results: We identified 37 significantly upregulated and 17 downregulated miRNAs. Of four upregulated miRNAs validated, we found miR-99a-5p and miR-125b-5p were significantly upregulated. Increased levels of exosomal miR-99a-5p and miR-125b-5p in DLBCL patients’ serum were associated with shorter progression-free survival time, and they can predict chemotherapeutic efficacy. Conclusion: Exosomal miR-99a-5p and miR-125b-5p can serve as biomarkers for DLBCL.