MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding RNA molecule consisting of 18-25 nucleotides that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to the 3’-untranslated regions (UTRs) of a target site. miRNAs have been shown to play important roles in oncogenesis and tumor metastasis of various carcinomas including pancreatic cancer (PC). Recently, an increasing number of studies have reported the potential value of miRNAs as biomarkers for PC diagnosis. Based on the advanced platforms and experienced experts, Alfa Cytology fully assists our customers to explore, discover, and validate miRNAs, which are considered to be the most widespread and promising non-invasive biomarkers in PC.
Overview of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in PC
In addition to regulating hundreds of mRNAs, miRNAs can be stably detected in plasma/serum because they are protected from RNase activity by microvesicular bodies (e.g. exosomes), forming lipoprotein complexes as well as protein complexes with Ago2. Overexpression of miR-103 and miR-107 and low expression of miR-155 have been reported to distinguish PC from normal tissue. The miRNA profiles of miR-20a, miR-21, miR-24, miR25, miR99a, miR185, and miR191 in blood showed significant differential expression in PC patients compared to controls. Furthermore, many other miRNAs have been recently reported to have diagnostic value for PC, including miR-16, miR-196a, miR-1290, miR-1246, miR-223, miR-5100, miR-8073, miR-642b-3p, miR-663a, miR-21-5p, miR-133a. Notably, combining different types of biomarkers in a group can improve diagnosis compared to using a single marker.
Service offering
Alfa Cytology is an integrated research, development, and manufacturing organization providing scientific services, primarily ranging from early discovery and development to preclinical research. We have a wide range of techniques for miRNA evaluation, such as next-generation sequencing(NGS), miRNA microarray, in situ hybridization, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), which can detect and identify miRNAs in various body fluids.
- Development of blood miRNAs as biomarkers for PC diagnosis
- Development of fecal miRNAs as biomarkers for PC diagnosis
- Development of urinary miRNAs as biomarkers for PC diagnosis
- Development of salivary miRNAs as biomarkers for PC diagnosis
In addition to the above services, we also support:
- Development of miRNA panels for PC diagnosis
- Combination of miRNAs and other types of biomarkers in a panel for PC diagnosis
- Validation studies in a larger cohort
A large number of miRNAs are shown to be dysregulated during and after PC development. miRNAs are considered to be one of the most popular non-invasive biomarkers in PC diagnosis. However, before clinical application to patients, validation studies in a larger cohort and consensus on the final identification panel are needed. If you are interested in learning more about our PC diagnostic development services, would like to learn more about our services and opportunities to participate in market research, or are interested in a potential partnership or collaboration, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our professional and patient staff will contact you as soon as possible.
References
- Herreros-Villanueva, Marta, and Luis Bujanda. "Non-invasive biomarkers in pancreatic cancer diagnosis: what we need versus what we have." Annals of translational medicine 4.7 (2016).
- Yang, Jinshou, et al. "Early screening and diagnosis strategies of pancreatic cancer: a comprehensive review." Cancer Communications 41.12 (2021): 1257-1274.