MicroRNAs: Their Discovery, Biogenesis, Function and Potential Use as Biomarkers in Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnostics

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Published: September 22, 2011

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Abstract
MiRNAs are a widespread class of small non-coding RNAs that have the ability to silence gene expression through sequence complementarity to their targets.

The regulation of expression and processing of miRNAs, and the mechanisms through which miRNAs locate their correct targets are not yet fully understood. MiRNAs are involved in a multitude of developmental and pathological processes leading to an explosion of research in disparate subject areas. In this review we draw attention to placentally expressed miRNAs that can be detected in the maternal plasma; and we discuss their potential use as biomarkers in non-invasive prenatal diagnostics.

The article is published online in the International Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Genetics and is free to access.