RNAs in circulation have an interesting potential to improve the clinical management of cancer patients using an easy-to-obtain blood sample. Focusing on the frontier of science, Creative Biolabs has paid a lot of resources in the liquid biopsy and we are capable of providing comprehensive circulating tumor RNA (ctRNA) detection services for research use.
In tumor tissue, it is already known that RNA, especially the non-coding counterpart, plays important roles in the deregulation of cell homeostasis and cancer development. RNA can also be released from tumor cells into the circulation of oncologic patients and thus be a potential analyte for liquid biopsy-based approaches. There is still little evidence regarding the ctRNA's utility to depict the tumor molecular profile or to use it as a biomarker in cancer patients, especially for localized tumors where its amounts are under the limit of detection for most current technologies. Nevertheless, several types of ctRNAs could be studied. The interest in the circulating non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is exponentially growing since their important implication related to cancer biology was described. They represent 80% of the total circulating RNA and are involved in the regulation of transduction pathways, acting also as cancer drivers.
A number of RNA classes, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained recognition as potential non-invasive cancer biomarkers. ctRNA profiles were already employed in cancer patients across several studies. Different methods were applied to analyze them including RT-qPCR, digital PCR (dPCR), microarrays, and NGS. Currently, RT-qPCR and microarrays are mostly employed.
Fig.1 Methods of detection of circulating molecules in liquid biopsy and their application in cancer. (Junqueira-Neto, 2019)
miRNAs are ncRNAs small in size (~22 nt), capable to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level with important implications in the development of a plethora of tumors. They can be extracted from different tissues or biologic fluids (circulating miRNA, cmiRNA) like feces, saliva, urine, or blood. cmiRNA profiles were already employed in cancer patients across several studies. Different methods were applied to analyze them including RT-qPCR, digital PCR (dPCR), microarrays, and NGS. Currently, RT-qPCR and microarrays are mostly employed.
LncRNAs are >200 nucleotides in length and can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, or epigenetic levels. Accumulating evidence shows that lncRNAs are altered in cancer and can promote tumor formation, progression, and metastasis. Circulating lncRNAs are a promising new class of non-invasive cancer biomarkers that have successfully entered into clinical diagnostics. This may due to their tissue- and cancer-specific expression patterns. The highly specific expression of lncRNAs may also explain why independent reports support the application of cell-free UCA1 and MALAT1 as diagnostic biomarkers for bladder and prostate cancers, respectively.
Although the vast majority of circulating mRNAs are degraded by RNases, some appear to be relatively stable in circulation, which is likely a result of complexing with proteins and/or lipid carriers. Due to their role in intracellular protein translation, circulating mRNAs likely reflect the status of intracellular processes and are potential cancer biomarkers.
Focusing on liquid biopsy over years, Creative Biolabs has established an advanced technology platform with the latest technologies, facilities, and research methods. With this platform, we are capable of providing high-quality ctRNA detection services. In addition, our specialists with advanced degrees will help during the projects, which assures the quality of the services.
With advantages in multiple aspects, Creative Biolabs is confident in offering high-quality ctRNA detection services to global researchers. If you are interested in ctRNA detection services or other liquid biopsy services, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Reference
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