Circulating miRNA as diagnostic tools for gynecological diseases and their applications in biosensor development

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are stable biomarkers for gynecological disease diagnosis and prognosis.
• miRNAs are protected within extracellular vesicles (EVs) or bound to proteins/lipoproteins for detection in body fluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biogenesis and clinical relevance of circulating miRNAs in gynecological diseases.
• To highlight the underrepresentation of non-malignant disease-associated miRNAs in current research.
• To emphasize the need for advanced biosensing strategies for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on miRNA biogenesis, detection, and clinical applications.
• Analysis of current biosensing platforms (electrochemical, fluorescent, colorimetric) for miRNA detection.
• Identification of research gaps in non-malignant gynecological disease biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Circulating miRNAs are valuable for diagnosing both malignant (ovarian, endometrial cancers) and benign (endometriosis, preeclampsia) gynecological conditions.
• Existing biosensing technologies offer sensitive and specific miRNA detection.
• Research predominantly focuses on cancer-related miRNAs, neglecting those in benign conditions.

Conclusions:

• Broader exploration of underrepresented miRNAs in non-malignant gynecological diseases is crucial.
• Development of multiplexed biosensing strategies is needed to enhance diagnostic precision.
• Integration of advanced detection and biomarker discovery will accelerate miRNA biosensor adoption in point-of-care testing (POCT).