Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers of smoking-related diseases
Anisha Banerjee1, Karsta Luettich
1British American Tobacco, Group Research & Development, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 8TL, UK. anisha_banerjee@bat.com
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a family of small, endogenous, noncoding functional RNA molecules that have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They inhibit the translation of proteins from mRNA or promote its degradation. Aberrant miRNA expression has been linked to various human diseases and measurement can differentiate between normal and diseased tissue. Expression is tissue-specific and any changes in miRNA expression within a tissue type can be correlated with disease status. Altered miRNA expression has been reported in the smoking-related diseases cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, miRNAs are thought to have vital roles in inflammatory cell differentiation and regulation. miRNAs might, therefore, be useful biomarkers for early detection of disease-related molecular and genetic changes. In this review, we summarize the available scientific evidence for the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers of smoking-related diseases. Studies should be carried out to identify the miRNAs most relevant to specific diseases.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules regulating gene expression. Their altered expression is linked to smoking-related diseases, suggesting potential as early diagnostic biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with various human diseases, including smoking-related conditions like cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular disease.
- miRNAs play crucial roles in inflammatory cell differentiation and regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific evidence for microRNAs as potential biomarkers of smoking-related diseases.
- To highlight the role of miRNAs in disease pathogenesis and their potential for early detection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miRNA expression in smoking-related diseases.
- Analysis of tissue-specific miRNA expression patterns and their correlation with disease status.
Main Results:
- Altered miRNA expression is a common feature in smoking-related diseases.
- Tissue-specific miRNA expression changes can differentiate between normal and diseased tissues.
- miRNAs show potential for early detection of molecular and genetic changes associated with these diseases.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs hold significant promise as biomarkers for the early detection of smoking-related diseases.
- Further research is needed to identify specific miRNAs relevant to individual diseases.
- miRNA profiling could revolutionize early diagnosis and disease management.
