Circulating microRNA in body fluid: a new potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis

N Kosaka, H Iguchi, T Ochiya - Cancer science, 2010 - Wiley Online Library
N Kosaka, H Iguchi, T Ochiya
Cancer science, 2010Wiley Online Library
In the past several years, the importance of microRNA (miRNA) in cancer cells has been
recognized. Proper control of miRNA expression is essential for maintaining a steady state
of the cellular machinery. Recently, it was discovered that extracellular miRNAs circulate in
the blood of both healthy and diseased patients, although ribonuclease is present in both
plasma and serum. Most of the circulating miRNAs are included in lipid or lipoprotein
complexes, such as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, or exosomes, and are, therefore, highly …
In the past several years, the importance of microRNA (miRNA) in cancer cells has been recognized. Proper control of miRNA expression is essential for maintaining a steady state of the cellular machinery. Recently, it was discovered that extracellular miRNAs circulate in the blood of both healthy and diseased patients, although ribonuclease is present in both plasma and serum. Most of the circulating miRNAs are included in lipid or lipoprotein complexes, such as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, or exosomes, and are, therefore, highly stable. The existence of circulating miRNAs in the blood of cancer patients has raised the possibility that miRNAs may serve as a novel diagnostic marker. However, the secretory mechanism and biological function, as well as the meaning of the existence of extracellular miRNAs, remain largely unclear. In this review, we summarize the usefulness of circulating miRNA for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. Furthermore, we propose a mechanism for the secretion and incorporation of miRNA into the cells. (Cancer Sci 2010)
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