miRNAs as biomarkers in human diseases

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is one of the primary machineries involved in the regulation of gene expression using small double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in eukaryotic cells. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs, regulating gene expression through canonical and non-canonical ways. Previous studies have shown that miRNA coding sequences make up 1% of the human genome and currently 1917 human miRNAs are displayed in the miRBase database. Expression levels of circulating miRNAs are related to various pathophysiological conditions such as cancer, infectious conditions, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and many more. Therefore, it is important to identify, detect and analyse miRNAs by using in silico and experimental analyses. In this review, after a brief description, we discuss the use of miRNAs for diagnosis and prognosis as biomarkers and biosensors in addition to miRNA-based therapies.