title: Circulating microRNAs: Association with disease and potential use as biomarkers.
abstract: The control of gene expression by microRNAs influences many cellular processes and has been implicated in the control of many (patho)physiological states. Recently, microRNAs have been detected in serum and plasma, and circulating microRNA profiles have now been associated with a range of different tumour types, diseases such as stroke and heart disease, as well as altered physiological states such as pregnancy. Here we review the disease-specific profiles of circulating microRNAs, and the methodologies used for their detection and quantification. We also discuss possible functions of circulating microRNAs and their potential as non-invasive biomarkers.
authors.affiliation: Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI), Bernie Banton Centre, University of Sydney, Concord, Australia. glen.reid@sydney.edu.au
authors.forename: Glen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Michaela B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Kirschner
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Zandwijk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs