MicroRNA profiling: approaches and considerations

CC Pritchard, HH Cheng, M Tewari - Nature Reviews Genetics, 2012 - nature.com
CC Pritchard, HH Cheng, M Tewari
Nature Reviews Genetics, 2012nature.com
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of
thousands of genes in a broad range of organisms in both normal physiological contexts
and in disease contexts. miRNA expression profiling is gaining popularity because miRNAs,
as key regulators in gene expression networks, can influence many biological processes
and also show promise as biomarkers for disease. Technological advances have spawned
a multitude of platforms for miRNA profiling, and an understanding of the strengths and …
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of thousands of genes in a broad range of organisms in both normal physiological contexts and in disease contexts. miRNA expression profiling is gaining popularity because miRNAs, as key regulators in gene expression networks, can influence many biological processes and also show promise as biomarkers for disease. Technological advances have spawned a multitude of platforms for miRNA profiling, and an understanding of the strengths and pitfalls of different approaches can aid in their effective use. Here, we review the major considerations for carrying out and interpreting results of miRNA-profiling studies.
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