The Untold Secret of Utilizing microRNA as a Breast Cancer Biomarker
Breast Cancer Surveillance Using microRNA is Imminent.
Technology Hits Publication initially publicized this piece on Medium!
RNA, or Ribonucleic acid, is a well-known building block constituent of every living cell. It is the close cousin of Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, which is also the main component of the Genetic structure of every organism, including that of human beings.
Amidst the variety of functions RNA offers, it plays a vital role in helping the body build cells or reacting as part of the immune response.
Without diving down into the details, there are three significant categories of RNA. In layperson's terms, those include mRNA (messenger RNA), which provides the template for protein synthesis. The tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids and reads the genetic code during protein synthesis or production. In contrast, rRNA (ribosomal RNA) plays a structural and catalytic role during the latter processes.
MicroRNA, a subcategory of its group, is a small non-coding RNA molecule. It is a molecule that has no role in producing functional proteins. One can typically detect MicroRNA in plants, animals, and some viruses. It contributes to regulating gene expression or how the cells use a particular gene to synthesize a functional genetic product that enables it to make end products and proteins.
The broad function of the MicroRNA as a regulator of mRNA leads to its degradation, acclimates the protein levels, and has attracted the scientific communities' attention to look into its utility as biomarkers.
As a biological agent discoverable in blood, urine, and other body fluids, or tissues, MicroRNA concentration can be a reaction to a sign of a process, a condition, or a disease.
Some of the studied conditions associated with MicroRNA include cancer, sepsis or severe infection, cardiovascular disease, and Nervous system disorders.
Breast Cancer and the Utility of MicroRNA
Despite our overwhelming progress in the medical and healthcare industry, cancer is still among the leading causes of human demise around the globe.
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Also, we have come a long way, as once we detect most cancers, including breast cancer, early enough, thus we can create better outcomes given the tools we have at our reach.
Nonetheless, making cancer detection early enough is a challenge we must still conquer. That is why finding a biomarker that will help early detection, and easy monitoring of the cancer progress can serve as an invaluable pawn amidst the age of personalized medicine.
Studies also point to the utility of MicroRNAs in improving the outcome of treatment associated with different MicroRNA profiles, which could furnish valuable data to extend during treatment regime selection. That is mere because cancer and other diseases typically reflect some form of gene expression.
Every gene expression parallels its unique MicrRNA profile.
For instance, recent studies suggest that patients with an increased manifestation of a particular type of MicroRNA, called miR-145, are dubious of having a breast cancer recurrence. That means miR-145 inhibits the development and progression of breast cancer.
Further research is underway to examine MicroRNA expression increase in breast cancer patients.
Reports indicate it is the possibility that miR-145 may be a valuable tool in identifying breast cancer patients. Studies suggest; this group of patients could benefit from biomarker surveillance and a customized treatment strategy after treatment. Correspondingly, miR-145 can help pinpoint patients at lower risk of relapse, hoping to avoid extended systemic therapies, which often can carry their toxic side effects.
Patient Engagement, Breast Cancer and Biomarkers
Living with Breast cancer is a lifestyle challenge that continues from diagnosis to the period after treatment. Studies suggest that breast cancer survivors who engage in their care have increased health-related quality of life.
A support group and feedback mechanism throughout breast cancer treatment are as vital as the treatment itself. It can provide a sense of assurance to some and helps others towards more effective tailored treatment options.
Indeed, the utility of Biomarkers and MicroRNA is one of the supportive modalities in keeping breast cancer patients in the loop. The ultimate utility of MicroRNA will trickle down to one fact; that is, it must be in the context of a multidisciplinary, collaborative atmosphere.
The optimal environment for the utility of miR-145 in the treatment and monitoring of breast cancer survivors is a hybrid digital Logistics infrastructure. The latter system would allow every patient care team member to interact and connect in real-time as needed from any distance. That will enable everyone, every sensor, and every data source to connect and continually contribute to patient engagement based on evidence-based information.
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