This book summarizes microRNA (miRNA) biology in a variety of
pathological processes, emphasizing the significant potential
applications of miRNA in diagnostics and prognostics, as well as novel
drug targets. The conventional techniques used for miRNA detection
including standard PCR, Northern blotting, microarray and clone methods
are addressed. Recent emerging strategies in miRNA detection and
quantification with superior flexibility and adaptability, such as novel
molecular biological techniques and locked nucleic acid (LNA) modified
probes, as well as nanotechnology-based approaches, are also included.
The book also highlights the latest advances in clinical-related miRNA
detection methods in living cells, circulating blood and tissue, such as
in situ hybridization (ISH) and molecular imaging techniques, which are
useful to elucidate the biogenesis and biological function of miRNAs in
vivo. Finally, the respective advantages and drawbacks of various
detection techniques in this fast-moving field are discussed, along with
the challenges and promising new directions.
This book offers a valuable resource for analytical chemists, biologists
and physicians involved in miRNA research.
Dr. Xueji Zhang and Dr. Haifeng Dong are Professors at the
School of Chemistry & Biological Engineering, University of Science &
Technology Beijing (USTB), China.
Dr. Yaping Tian is a Professor at the Department of Clinical
Biochemistry, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Military Medical School,
China.
