Altered expression of lncRNAs DANCR, MIR4435-2HG, and HULC following radiotherapy and their association with radioresistance in prostate cancer

Abstract

Background: Radioresistance in prostate cancer (PCa) patients is a challenge that has necessitated identifying standard markers to predict patients’ response to radiotherapy (RT). This study was designed to explore the potential of DANCR and MIR4435-2HG, related to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway, as well as HULC, whose role in radioresistance has been previously examined, in predicting radiation response in PCa patients. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 30 healthy men and 30 PCa patients. RT-qPCR was conducted to detect DANCR, MIR4435-2HG, HULC, and mir-542, mir-424, and mir-372 expressions. Expression levels of TGF-β and TGF-β1 were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot assay. Patients were followed for 11–14 months after RT, and their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was recorded at 3 and 6 months. Results: Examination of MIR4435-2HG, DANCR, and HULC in plasma samples showed that in radioresistant patients, MIR4435-2HG (0.04 ± 1.47), DANCR (0.08 ± 1.84), and HULC (0.10 ± 1.51) were significantly increased, while mir-424 (0.07 ± 0.49), mir-372 (0.15 ± 0.31), and mir-542 (0.06 ± 0.62) were decreased. Worse pathological features were significantly associated with higher lncRNA expressions. Elevated TGF-β levels were detected in plasma samples from patients who received RT. Conclusion: The significant increase of DANCR, MIR4435-2HG, and HULC in plasma samples of radiation-resistant patients suggests a potential link to radioresistance in PCa. These biomarkers hold promise for personalized medicine, offering new avenues for improving patient management and treatment outcomes. © 2026, Novin Medical Radiation Institute. All rights reserved.