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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Methods to Investigate miRNA Function: Focus on Platelet Reactivity
Alix Garcia1, Sylvie Dunoyer-Geindre1, Richard J Fish2
1Geneva Platelet Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs modulating protein production. They are key players in regulation of cell function and are considered as biomarkers in several diseases. The identification of the proteins they regulate, and their impact on cell physiology, may delineate their role as diagnostic or prognostic markers and identify new therapeutic strategies. During the last 3 decades, development of a large panel of techniques has given rise to multiple models dedicated to the study of miRNAs. Since plasma samples are easily accessible, circulating miRNAs can be studied in clinical trials. To quantify miRNAs in numerous plasma samples, the choice of extraction and purification techniques, as well as normalization procedures, are important for comparisons of miRNA levels in populations and over time. Recent advances in bioinformatics provide tools to identify putative miRNAs targets that can then be validated with dedicated assays. In vitro and in vivo approaches aim to functionally validate candidate miRNAs from correlations and to understand their impact on cellular processes. This review describes the advantages and pitfalls of the available techniques for translational research to study miRNAs with a focus on their role in regulating platelet reactivity.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of cell function and disease biomarkers. This review explores techniques for studying circulating miRNAs in plasma, focusing on their role in platelet reactivity for translational research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate protein production and are vital for cellular functions.
- miRNAs are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosing various diseases.
- Understanding miRNA targets and their physiological impact can reveal new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available techniques for studying microRNAs (miRNAs) in translational research.
- To focus on the role of miRNAs in regulating platelet reactivity.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of various miRNA quantification and validation methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging techniques for miRNA extraction, purification, and quantification from plasma samples.
- Discussion of bioinformatics tools for identifying potential miRNA targets.
- Overview of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches for functional validation of miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Plasma-derived circulating miRNAs are accessible for clinical studies.
- Proper sample processing and normalization are critical for reliable miRNA quantification and population comparisons.
- Bioinformatics and experimental assays are essential for target identification and functional validation.
Conclusions:
- The choice of miRNA extraction, purification, and normalization methods significantly impacts results in translational research.
- Functional validation of candidate miRNAs is crucial for understanding their role in disease and developing therapies.
- Further research into miRNAs, particularly their role in platelet reactivity, holds promise for diagnostics and therapeutics.
