Plasma microRNA profile to detect ovarian cancer

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Summary:

MicroRNAs (miRNA) were discovered that can serve as biomarkers or treatment targets for ovarian cancer. A method was developed to isolate RNA from serum samples and perform a real-time PCR-based microarray for miRNAs using a small sample of serum RNA. RNA was isolated from the serum of patients with ovarian cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNA) were amplified by real-time PCR-based microarray and analyzed. Five miRNAs were overexpressed and three miRNAs were under-expressed in the serum of ovarian cancer patients compared to normal controls. Some of the overexpressed miRNAs are known oncogenes that have therapeutic and biomarker potential.

Potential Applications:

  • Early serum biomarkers for the detection of ovarian cancer (especially for patients with normal CA-125) or risk of ovarian cancer
  • Method for analysis of miRNAs in the serum
  • MicroRNA targets for treatment of ovarian cancer by regulating protein expression by modulating miRNAs

Advantages:

  • RNA extraction from small patient serum samples (250 uL)
  • Novel real-time PCR microarray approach (containing 365 miRNA targets) for identification of microRNAs in RNA samples
  • Microarray platform permits screening of large numbers of miRNAs with small samples of serum RNA (400 ng)
  • Unique profile of microRNAs for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer was discovered
  • Serum microRNAs were identified that can serve as normalizers