PNA-Based MicroRNA Detection Methodologies

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in the fine regulation of post-transcriptional processes in the cell. The physiological levels of these short (20–22-mer) oligonucleotides are important for the homeostasis of the organism, and therefore dysregulation can lead to the onset of cancer and other pathologies. Their importance as biomarkers is constantly growing and, in this context, detection methods based on the hybridization to peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are gaining their place in the spotlight. After a brief overview of their biogenesis, this review will discuss the significance of targeting miR, providing a wide range of PNA-based approaches to detect them at biologically significant concentrations, based on electrochemical, fluorescence and colorimetric assays.