The Importance of Standardization on Analyzing Circulating RNA

Mol Diagn Ther. 2017 Jun;21(3):259-268. doi: 10.1007/s40291-016-0251-y.

Abstract

Circulating RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), have recently emerged as non-invasive disease biomarkers. Despite enthusiasm and numerous reports on disease-associated circulating miRNAs, currently there is no circulating miRNA-based diagnostic in use. In addition, there are many contradictory reports on the concentration changes of specific miRNA in circulation. Here we review the impact of various technical and non-technical factors related to circulating miRNA measurement and elucidate the importance of having a general guideline for sample preparation and concentration measurement in studying circulating RNA.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Blood Platelets
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / analysis*
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / isolation & purification
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Genetic Markers*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / methods
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / standards*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards
  • Specimen Handling / standards
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids
  • Genetic Markers
  • MicroRNAs