Minireview: miRomics in endocrinology: a novel approach for modeling endocrine diseases

Mol Endocrinol. 2013 Apr;27(4):573-85. doi: 10.1210/me.2012-1220. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (16-24 nucleotides) noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Growing evidence demonstrates that miRNAs participate in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes. The clinical utility of the cell-type-specific miRNA expression profile (miRomics) has been directly demonstrated in molecular classification of tumor samples and in prediction of prognosis or therapeutic responsiveness. Identification of the relevant miRNAs and their targets requires both in silico and molecular biological methods. In this review, we summarize the methodological arsenal used in miRNA-related research, and through our own data on adrenal tumors, we present how miRNA could be integrated into omics-based networks. The expanding knowledge obtained from miRNA research may lead to the development of novel diagnostic and treatment modalities in future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endocrine System Diseases / genetics*
  • Endocrinology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger