Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

07:23
Dual CRISPR-Interference Strategy for Targeting Synthetic Lethal Interactions Between Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Cells
Published on: May 30, 2025
Non-Coding RNAs: Functional Aspects and Diagnostic Utility in Oncology.
1Nesher Technologies, Inc., 2100 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA. areitmair@neshertech.com.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 5, 2013
Summary
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs), show great promise as biomarkers for early disease detection and prognosis. Advances in detection technologies are crucial for realizing their full diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play diverse biological roles and are increasingly recognized for their importance.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of ncRNAs, are implicated in various human diseases, including cancers and cardiovascular conditions.
- The stability of ncRNAs in bodily fluids positions them as promising novel biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on ncRNA biomarkers.
- To discuss current detection technologies for ncRNAs.
- To explore future perspectives in ncRNA-based biodetection assays.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of ncRNA biomarker studies.
- Analysis of state-of-the-art detection technologies.
- Discussion of challenges in miRNA detection and quantification.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, are abundant and significant in biological processes.
- Stable miRNAs in serum are valuable for early cancer detection and predicting lesion progression.
- Biomarker signatures, potentially combining ncRNAs and proteins, can enhance risk assessment and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs hold significant potential for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications.
- Developing advanced detection methods, like multicolor ALEX fluorescence spectroscopy, is key for next-generation assays.
- Addressing challenges in miRNA quantification will advance their clinical utility.
Related Concept Videos
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)...
The Nucleolus
The nucleolus is the most prominent substructure of the nucleus. When it was first discovered, it was considered to be an isolated organelle that forms fibrils and granules. In 1931, the relationship between the nucleolus and chromosomes was first described by Heitz. He observed that the appearance and size of nucleolus varies depending on the stage of the cell cycle. He also noticed constricted regions on different chromosomes clustered together at definite cell cycle stages. These regions,...
Experimental RNAi
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular mechanism that inhibits gene expression by suppressing its transcription or activating the RNA degradation process. The mechanism was discovered by Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 1998 in plants. Today, it is observed in almost all eukaryotes, including protozoa, flies, nematodes, insects, parasites, and mammals. This precise cellular mechanism of gene silencing has been developed into a technique that provides an efficient way to identify and determine the...
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
RNA Performs Diverse...
Types of RNA
Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay
The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...
Usually, Upf3 binds to an Exon Junction Complex (EJC) at mRNA splice sites. If a ribosome fully translates the mRNA,...