Nevena Ilieva

Dr. Nevena Ilieva


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Journal Article
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IPIliyan Pochileev
Iliyan Pochileev
AFAlbena Fakirova
Albena Fakirova
DTDesislava Tashkova
Desislava Tashkova
AGAleksandra Gerdgikova
Aleksandra Gerdgikova
NINevena Ilieva
Nevena Ilieva
IDIvanka I Dimova
Ivanka I Dimova
Background: Metastatic melanoma is an extremely aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options, despite advances in targeted and immunotherapy. MicroRNAs are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and play a critical role in tumor adaptation, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of our study was to identify dysregulated miRNAs which may serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on FFPE samples from metastatic melanoma (n = 15), compared to healthy skin tissue (n = 6). BRAF V600E/Ec mutation status was established by Real-Time qPCR. Expression miRNA analysis was performed, using digital counting of 827 miRNAs on the NanoString platform, with data normalization and fold change calculations. Results: Following normalization and quality control metrics, 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in BRAFwt melanoma samples: 6 overexpressed and 52 inderexpressed miRNAs. In BRAFmut melanoma, 37 microRNAs were differentially expressed: 11 overexpressed and 26 underexpressed. Four miRNAs showed elevated expression in both melanoma groups. Among them, miR-146a-5p and miR-4286 demonstrated the highest elevation, especially in BRAFmut tumors. We focused further on their targeted genes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant alterations in the miRNA expression profile in metastatic melanoma and highlights the potential of miR-146a-5p and miR-4286 as key regulators of tumor biology.
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