TechNote - Minimum Preanalytical Information for the Publication of Studies on Circulating Cell-Free microRNA-based Biomarkers
Circulating cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers with broad potential for clinical applications. However, pre-analytical variability significantly affects miRNA quantification and hampers reproducibility across studies. This work aims to define the Minimum Preanalytical Information required for the publication of studies on circulating cell-free miRNA-based biomarkers. We review key pre-analytical factors that influence circulating miRNA levels quantified using RT-qPCR. Critical variables include blood collection timing, sample type, centrifugation protocols, transport and storage conditions, hemolysis, lipemia, medication, physical activity and pathogen inactivation methods. We introduce a standardized checklist to promote methodological transparency and inter-study comparability. The final aim is to enhance the reliability of miRNA-based biomarker research and support its successful translation into clinical practice.
Authors
- Constantino Martı́nez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2976-2354)
- Matthias Hackl (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4136-7293)
- Thalía Belmonte (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1241-6073)
- Marta Molinero (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8352-2909)
- Miron Sopić (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3283-9487)
- Susana Novella (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8303-7252)
- Yvan Devaux (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5321-8543)
- Christos Tsatsanis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1214-4151)
- David de Gonzalo‐Calvo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2240-3532)
- Jelena Munjas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4576-1722)
Institutions
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ES)
- Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova (ES)
- University of Belgrade (RS)
- Austrian Center for Medical Innovation and Technology (AT)
- Luxembourg Institute of Health (LU)
- Centro Regional de Hemodonación (ES)
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute (ES)
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (GR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- European Atherosclerosis Journal
- Published
- 2025-08-31
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.56095/eaj.v4i2.105
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- MicroRNA in disease regulation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.94
Funders
- European Commission
- Generalitat Valenciana
- Ministère de l'Education Nationale, de l'Enseignement Superieur et de la Recherche
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III
- European Regional Development Fund