MDDB: A public databank of host microRNAs in Tuberculosis diagnosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge due to its high mortality rate. Several factors contribute significantly including delayed diagnosis, emergence of drug resistance, and biofilm formation. Although various diagnostic methods are available for TB, such as sputum smear microscopy, culture techniques, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). They have notable limitations, including false positives and negatives, timeliness, and high cost. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an early and accurate diagnostic approach to control the infection. MicroRNA (miRNA)-based diagnostics have emerged as a promising alternative, offering the potential for earlier detection and reduced false-positivity. However, this field is still in development and requires specialized tools to accelerate miRNA research, streamline the process, and facilitate the creation of innovative diagnostic methods. To address this need, the MicroRNA Disease Databank (MDDB) was developed as a centralized platform providing extensive miRNA-related information. Freely accessible at https://mddb.nitrr.ac.in/., MDDB offers comprehensive details on miRNA locations, associated disease characteristics, probe sequences, and molecular mechanisms. This resource aims to support the development of novel miRNA-based diagnostic biomarkers. This article provides an in-depth overview of the MDDB tool, highlighting its construction, features, and accessibility. Currently, MDDB focuses on host miRNAs relevant to TB, allowing researchers to quickly access critical miRNA data. By leveraging this resource, researchers will potentially accelerate the development of effective diagnostic biomarkers for TB and other chronic diseases in the future.