MicroRNA molecules, or miRNAs are small (17-27 nucleotides long), single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the translation level. They play a vital role in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics because of their applications in controlling gene expression and gene silencing, which is a main factor helping the Global miRNA Market grow at a 13.36 percent CAGR from 2015-2019.
miRNA Research
Research in this area involves studying miRNA molecules to understand their characteristics and mechanisms, and explore how these sequences can be used to identify abnormalities in the genome, which can lead to physical or psychological illness.
The end game of this research is to use qRT PCRs, microarrays, NGS platforms, kits, and reagents to helps discover, design, and develop miRNA-based diagnostics tests and therapeutics for serious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, immune function disorders, and neurological disorders.
Who’s Doing What?
Several large companies such as Affymetrix, Exiqon, and Thermo Fisher Scientific are focusing on providing a wide range of products to advance miRNA research.
miRNA Diagnostics
MiRNA molecules are especially useful for diagnostics, as they are highly sensitive, provide greater accuracy than conventional diagnostic techniques and can be used as biomarkers in a wide range of molecular diagnostic tests.
MiRNAs can be isolated from tissue or body fluid samples and then analyzed and quantified to identify a specific miRNA presence. Profiling and analysis of miRNA for diagnostics are generally done using RT-qPCR, microarrays, and miRNA sequencing technology.
Who’s Doing What?
Companies such as Asuragen and Exiqon provide miRNA products and services for the diagnosis of various diseases, including cancer and psychiatric disorders. For instance, Rosetta Cancer Origin Test, a miRNA-based diagnostic test, can be used to identify the primary tumor type in cancers, including CUPs. This test is based on the extracted miRNA’s expression level and identifies the uncertain or unknown origin of the tumor.
miRNA Therapeutics
MiRNA-based therapeutics bind to mRNA associated with a particular disease, and regulates the expression of the gene and cellular pathways. This has huge potential in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, asthma, diabetes, ocular disorder, viral infections, and inflammatory disorders.
Who’s Doing What?
Some companies, such as miRagen Therapeutics, Santaris Pharma, Regulus Therapeutics, and Mirna Therapeutics, are focusing on the discovery and development of miRNA-based therapeutics. For instance, in August 2013, Santaris Pharma completed phase II clinical trials of miravirsen, an inhibitor of miR-122, targeted for the treatment of HCV infection.
The massive potential of microRNA molecules has attracted both attention and research funding, particularly from developed countries like the US, the UK, and Germany. Research institutes, big pharmaceutical companies, and governments worldwide are increasing their focus on this area of research, and a number of projects are in progress to explore the application of miRNA-based therapeutics as an effective treatment option.
This widespread support will boost the growth prospects for the Global miRNA market through to 2019.
