The microRNA spectrum in 12 body fluids.
BACKGROUND
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that play an important role in regulating various biological processes through their interaction with cellular messenger RNAs. Extracellular miRNAs in serum, plasma, saliva, and urine have recently been shown to be associated with various pathological conditions including cancer.


METHODS
With the goal of assessing the distribution of miRNAs and demonstrating the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers, we examined the presence of miRNAs in 12 human body fluids and urine samples from women in different stages of pregnancy or patients with different urothelial cancers. Using quantitative PCR, we conducted a global survey of the miRNA distribution in these fluids.


RESULTS
miRNAs were present in all fluids tested and showed distinct compositions in different fluid types. Several of the highly abundant miRNAs in these fluids were common among multiple fluid types, and some of the miRNAs were enriched in specific fluids. We also observed distinct miRNA patterns in the urine samples obtained from individuals with different physiopathological conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
MicroRNAs are ubiquitous in all the body fluid types tested. Fluid type-specific miRNAs may have functional roles associated with the surrounding tissues. In addition, the changes in miRNA spectra observed in the urine samples from patients with different urothelial conditions demonstrates the potential for using concentrations of specific miRNAs in body fluids as biomarkers for detecting and monitoring various physiopathological conditions.
Weber
Jessica A
JA
Institute for Systems Biology, 1441 North 34th St., Seattle, WA 98103, USA.
Baxter
David H
DH
Zhang
Shile
S
Huang
David Y
DY
Huang
Kuo How
KH
Lee
Ming Jen
MJ
Galas
David J
DJ
Wang
Kai
K
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000652:urine; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000032:analysis*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011264:Pregnancy Trimesters / Q000652:urine; D012016:Reference Values; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000652:urine
D015415:Biomarkers; D035683:MicroRNAs