Differentially Expressed miRNA of Prostate Cancer Compared with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Tissues: VAMP Associated Protein B Could Be Used for New Targets and Biomarkers of Prostate Cancer

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This NGS-based study sought to identify novel molecular markers for prostate cancer by comparing miRNA expression in cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues. <b>Methods</b>: Using high-throughput sequencing and stringent statistical criteria, the study identified eleven significantly dysregulated miRNAs (five downregulated, six upregulated) that differentiate the two conditions. Enrichment analyses linked these miRNAs to several key cancer-associated pathways, including PI3K-Akt and ErbB signaling. <b>Results</b>: Crucially, the protein vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB) was pinpointed as a central hub, regulated by three downregulated miRNAs (miR-143-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-222-3p). Since VAPB has not been widely studied in prostate cancer, it represents a promising, novel candidate for both diagnosis and therapeutic targeting. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our NGS-based analysis revealed a distinct miRNA expression signature that differentiates prostate cancer from BPH. The downregulation of several tumor-suppressive miRNAs (with concomitant upregulation of oncogenic miRNAs) in prostate cancer may contribute to malignancy-including the de-repression of novel targets like VAPB, which we identify as a promising new biomarker and therapeutic target.