MicroRNA

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are highly conserved, short, single-stranded non-coding RNA fragments that function in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.

They are typically 19-25 nucleotides in length and are derived from longer primary miRNA transcripts. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to specific sequences, usually in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of target mRNAs. MiRNAs can target multiple RNAs allowing for fine-tuning of gene expression in response to various cellular signals.

MiRNAs are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of miRNA expression has been linked to the development of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. An increasing number of studies have suggested that miRNAs could be potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, but also potential therapeutic targets.

To study miRNA, we analyse your NGS data for differential miRNA expression, which can be visualised in different ways, such as volcano plots. We also check which pathways are most affected and in which diseases the differentially expressed microRNAs play a role. If total RNA-seq data is available too, this can be analysed in combination with the microRNA data.