MicroRNA polymorphisms: the future of pharmacogenomics, molecular epidemiology and individualized medicine.

ABSTRACT: Referred to as the micromanagers of gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNAs. Polymorphisms in the miRNA pathway (miR-polymorphisms) are emerging as powerful tools to study the biology of a disease and have the potential to be used in disease prognosis and diagnosis. Detection of miR-polymorphisms holds promise in the field of miRNA pharmacogenomics, molecular epidemiology and for individualized medicine. MiRNA pharmacogenomics can be defined as the study of miRNAs and polymorphisms affecting miRNA function in order to predict drug behavior and to improve drug efficacy. Advancements in the miRNA field indicate the clear involvement of miRNAs and genetic variations within the miRNA pathway in the progression and prognosis of diseases such as canc

SUBMITTER: Mishra PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705205 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature