miR-451a is a differentially expressed blood-based microRNA in newly diagnosed CML identified by high-throughput profiling

Abstract Background microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers in hematological malignancies due to their stability in blood. This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of miRNAs in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and evaluate the potential of miR-451a as a candidate whole-blood miRNA marker. Methodology We collected whole blood samples from 77 newly diagnosed CML patients before TKI therapy and 77 healthy controls. A subset of samples underwent miRNA sequencing to identify dysregulated miRNAs, and miR-451a was subsequently validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Result The study found that miR-451a was significantly elevated in CML cases compared to controls out of all 450–500 identified miRs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated moderate predictive performance (AUROC = 0.655), with 76.6% sensitivity and 53.2% specificity at a defined threshold (ΔCt ≥ 1.270). Logistic regression analysis confirmed miR-451a as an independent predictor, with a 16.5% increase in disease odds for each unit (OR = 1.165, p = 0.001). These findings suggest that miR-451a may function as an independent predictor for CML and a valuable molecular marker for disease risk and progression. Conclusion miR-451a is markedly overexpressed in the peripheral blood of patients with newly diagnosed CML and demonstrates moderate efficacy as a candidate biomarker. Its integration into a multi-marker panel may enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, reinforcing its role in advancing precision medicine approaches in CML.