title: The MiRNA Journey from Theory to Practice as a CNS Biomarker.
abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small nucleotide sequences that control gene transcription, have the potential to serve an expanded function as indicators in the diagnosis and progression of neurological disorders. Studies involving debilitating neurological diseases such as, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson's disease and CNS tumors, already provide validation for their clinical diagnostic use. These small nucleotide sequences have several features, making them favorable candidates as biomarkers, including function in multiple tissues, stability in bodily fluids, a role in pathogenesis, and the ability to be detected early in the disease course. Cerebrospinal fluid, with its cell-free environment, collection process that minimizes tissue damage, and direct contact with the brain and spinal cord, is a promising source of miRNA in the diagnosis of many neurological disorders. Despite the advantages of miRNA analysis, current analytic technology is not yet affordable as a clinically viable diagnostic tool and requires standardization. The goal of this review is to explore the prospective use of CSF miRNA as a reliable and affordable biomarker for different neurological disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Nicoleta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stoicea
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Du
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: D Christie
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lakis
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tipton
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Carlos E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Arias-Morales
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, OH, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Sergio D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bergese
keywords: MicroRNA; biomarker; central nervous system (CNS); cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); neurodegenerative disease