Urinary miRNAs: Technical Updates

• Published in: MicroRNA (Shariqah, United Arab Emirates) Vol. 13; no. 2; p. 110
• Main Authors: Raveendran, Santhi, Al Massih, Alia, Al Hashmi, Muna, Saeed, Asma, Al-Azwani, Iman, Mathew, Rebecca, Tomei, Sara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 01-01-2024
• Subjects: Biomarkers - urine; Gene Expression Profiling - methods; Humans; MicroRNAs - genetics; MicroRNAs - urine; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - diagnosis; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - genetics; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - urine; miRNA; cancer; isolation; profiling; urine; biomarkers
• ISSN: 2211-5374
• DOI: 10.2174/0122115366305985240502094814

Due to its non-invasive nature and easy accessibility, urine serves as a convenient biological fluid for research purposes. Furthermore, urine samples are uncomplicated to preserve and relatively inexpensive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, play vital roles in numerous cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell differentiation, development, and proliferation. Their dysregulated expression in urine has been proposed as a potential biomarker for various human diseases, including bladder cancer. To draw reliable conclusions about the roles of urinary miRNAs in human diseases, it is essential to have dependable and reproducible methods for miRNA extraction and profiling. In this review, we address the technical challenges associated with studying urinary miRNAs and provide an update on the current technologies used for urinary miRNA isolation, quality control assessment, and miRNA profiling, highlighting both their advantages and limitations.