Possible application of miRNA expression used as a biomarker for malignant cell transformation

Abstract

With the markedly increasing numbers in cancer diagnostics and progression, it has become imperative for researchers to determine biomarkers that could serve as early detection devises. The focus lies primarily on microRNA (miRNA) expression levels, secretary mechanisms and their role in malignant cell transformation. A recent study showed that miRNAs are exported from malignant cells in particles that are specific to that miRNA. . Through sequencing of malignant cell RNA, researchers have found that sorting s-miRNA and n-miRNA is achieved through a sequence-specific mechanism; therefore, this indicates that these two proteins will perform different functions and could unveil specific biomarkers associated with malignant cell transformation. ). The s-miRNA will affect the cell-to-cell communication and information transfer; therefore, these proteins will alter the signaling pathways of the cells they come into contact with. Secretory mechanisms and intercellular transfer also dictate the signaling pathways employed by the miRNAs. Secretory mechanisms and intercellular transfer also dictate the signaling pathways employed by the miRNAs. The type of pathway used to secrete miRNA is significant because it determines whether extracellular miRNA will act on a cell the same way that cellular miRNA exerts its effects. Further progress in this research needs to be conducted in order to tie all the details together and determine how expression of miRNA affects malignant cell transformation as a whole.