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Circulating Cell-Free Nucleic Acids: Main Characteristics and Clinical Application
Melinda Szilágyi1, Ondrej Pös2, Éva Márton1
1Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 22, 2020
Summary
Liquid biopsy offers a less invasive diagnostic approach using cell-free nucleic acids (cf-NAs). This review covers diverse cf-NAs as biomarkers for personalized medicine, including cf-DNA and various cell-free non-coding RNAs.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers and Diagnostics
- Molecular Biology
- Personalized Medicine
Background:
- Liquid biopsy is a promising, minimally invasive diagnostic tool.
- Cell-free nucleic acids (cf-NAs) are key biomarkers found in liquid biopsies.
- Current reviews often focus on limited types of cf-NAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of all known cf-NAs.
- To discuss the biogenesis, function, and biomarker potential of cf-NAs.
- To explore future directions in cf-NA-based liquid biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cell-free nucleic acids.
- Analysis of cf-DNA, cf-mtDNA, and various cell-free non-coding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, piRNA, YRNA, vtRNA).
- Discussion of biomarker utility in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy selection.
Main Results:
- cf-DNA is established in prenatal testing and tumor profiling.
- Cell-free non-coding RNAs show significant potential as cancer biomarkers.
- cf-NAs collectively offer a pathway toward personalized medicine.
Conclusions:
- A broad spectrum of cf-NAs holds diagnostic and prognostic value.
- cf-NA analysis in liquid biopsy advances personalized treatment strategies.
- Further research into diverse cf-NAs will expand their clinical applications.
