MicroRNAs are small 20-22 nucleotide, noncoding RNA genes that regulate gene expression at the translational level¹. Some microRNA may have as many as a few thousand targets and between 74% and 92% of the gene transcripts in four model organisms are likely under microRNA control². Over the last decade, our knowledge about the role of microRNA in human diseases, including cancer, has grown exponentially^3,4. Alteration in the expression of microRNA genes contribute to the pathogenesis of most if not all human malignancies^3,5,6. MicroRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors⁷. In our miRview® lung test, microRNAs serve as useful biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis. In the near future microRNAs will probably play a pivotal role in cancer therapy and prevention.

 

Using proprietary methods developed by Rosetta Genomics' scientists, microRNAs can be extracted from a wide range of tissue and body fluid samples and quantified to identify a specific microRNA signature. MicroRNAs have been found to be well preserved in various types of clinical samples and preparations, and their levels can be accurately quantified by molecular assays². MicroRNA may provide the solution for classification accuracy and objectivity for classification accuracy and objectivity. 

1. Benjamin H, Lebanony D, Cohen L, et al. Differential diagnosis of mesothelioma using a microRNA assay. Presented at: 44th American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2008; Chicago, IL. Abstract 22000.
2. Wang QZ, Xu W, Habib N, Xu R. Potentialuses of microRNA in lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2009;9(4):572-94.
3. Rosenfeld N, Aharonov R, Meiri E, et al. MicroRNAs accurately identify cancer tissue origin. Nat Biotechnol. 2008;26(4):462-469.
4. Gilad S, Meiri E, Yogev Y, et al. Serum microRNAs are promising novel biomarkers. PLoS One. 2008;3(9):e3148.
5. Schetter AJ, Heegaard NH, Harris CC.Inflammation and cancer: interweaving microRNA, free radical, cytokine and p53 pathways. Carcinogenesis. 2010;31(1):37-49.
6. Calin GA, Croce CM. MicroRNA signatures in human cancers. Nat Rev Cancer.2006;6(11):857-66.
7. Ha TY. MicroRNAs in Human Diseases: From Cancer to Cardiovascular Disease. Immune Netw.2011;11(3):135-54.