MicroRNAs as Biomarkers of Brain Tumor

Wojciech Jelski,1 Barbara Mroczko1,2 1Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University, Bialystok, Poland; 2Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University, Bialystok, PolandCorrespondence: Wojciech Jelski, Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University, Waszyngtona 15 A, Bialystok, 15-269, Poland, Tel +48 85 746 8587, Fax +48 85 746 8585, Email [email protected]: Brain tumors have been deadly cancers for years, and in most cases they are difficult to diagnose in their early stages. For this reason, researchers need to develop low-cost, sensitive methods for examining cancer biomarkers. Such biomarkers include microRNA. MicroRNA expression in various body fluids shows a high correlation with cancer. A number of studies have demonstrated changes in microRNA expression in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples from patients with brain tumors. New biomarkers such as microRNAs may help diagnose brain tumors at the very beginning of the disease, enabling early treatment and increasing the chances of survival. This review describes the diagnostic role of microRNAs and the prospects for their use as biomarkers in patients with brain tumors.Keywords: microRNAs, brain tumor