Open AccessMethodological challenges in utilizing mi RNA s as circulating biomarkers
Author(s) -
Moldovan Leni,
Batte Kara E.,
Trgovcich Joanne,
Wisler Jon,
Marsh Clay B.,
Piper Melissa
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.12236
Subject(s) - microrna , biology , computational biology , gene expression , bioinformatics , biological fluids , gene expression profiling , gene , genetics , chemistry , chromatography
Micro RNA s (mi RNA s) have emerged as important regulators in the post‐transcriptional control of gene expression. The discovery of their presence not only in tissues but also in extratissular fluids, including blood, urine and cerebro‐spinal fluid, together with their changes in expression in various pathological conditions, has implicated these extracellular mi RNA s as informative biomarkers of disease. However, exploiting mi RNA s in this capacity requires methodological rigour. Here, we report several key procedural aspects of mi RNA isolation from plasma and serum, as exemplified by research in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various profiling methods to determine the expression levels of plasma‐ and serum‐derived mi RNA s. Attention to such methodological details is critical, as circulating mi RNA s become diagnostic tools for various human diseases.