The potential of microRNAs as biofluid markers of neurodegenerative diseases--a systematic review

Biomarkers. 2014 Jun;19(4):259-68. doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2014.904001. Epub 2014 Mar 29.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are biological molecules transcribed from non-protein coding regions of the genome, participating in regulating cellular processes. MiRNAs in biofluids may possess neurodegenerative disease biomarker potential for screening tests, differential diagnosis and disease progression monitoring. This systematic review clarifies biomarker potential of miRNAs detected in biofluids of neurodegenerative disease patients. Thirty-three and ten miRNAs displayed significant expression between patients with multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, respectively, compared to healthy controls in minimum two studies. Thirty-eight miRNAs showed biomarker potential by distinguishing significantly between minimum two diseases. Summarized data directs future research towards discovering new biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Parkinson’s disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; biofluid markers; microRNA; multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Cognition Disorders / blood
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / blood*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / blood
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs