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Review
. 2016 Jan 13;17(1):93.
doi: 10.3390/ijms17010093.

miRNAs Regulation and Its Role as Biomarkers in Endometriosis

Josep Marí-Alexandre  1 , Dolors Sánchez-Izquierdo  2 , Juan Gilabert-Estellés  3 , Moisés Barceló-Molina  4 , Aitana Braza-Boïls  5 , Juan Sandoval  6
Affiliations
Review

miRNAs Regulation and Its Role as Biomarkers in Endometriosis

Josep Marí-Alexandre et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18-22 nt) that function as modulators of gene expression. Since their discovery in 1993 in C. elegans, our knowledge about their biogenesis, function, and mechanism of action has increased enormously, especially in recent years, with the development of deep-sequencing technologies. New biogenesis pathways and sources of miRNAs are changing our concept about these molecules. The study of the miRNA contribution to pathological states is a field of great interest in research. Different groups have reported the implication of miRNAs in pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and gynecological diseases. It is also well-known that miRNAs are present in biofluids (plasma, serum, urine, semen, and menstrual blood) and have been proposed as ideal candidates as disease biomarkers. The goal of this review is to highlight the current knowledge in the field of miRNAs with a special emphasis to their role in endometriosis and the newest investigations addressing the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for this gynecological disease.

Keywords: biomarker; endometriosis; microRNA; non-coding RNA.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic description of miRNAs biogenesis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Workflow in a classical study on miRNAs.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Main systems affected in endometriosis and the references for the most relevant studies about the role of miRNAs regulating them in this disease in square brackets. Red lines represent new blood vessels in formation and red dots cells nuclei.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Preanalytical considerations for the miRNA study and relevant literature in square brackets in order to obtain robust conclusions in the standardization of new biomarkers in endometriosis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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