Detection of microRNA Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Microvesicles
2008

Detection of microRNA Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Microvesicles

Sample size: 51 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hunter Melissa Piper, Ismail Noura, Zhang Xiaoli, Aguda Baltazar D., Lee Eun Joo, Yu Lianbo, Xiao Tao, Schafer Jeffrey, Lee Mei-Ling Ting, Schmittgen Thomas D., Nana-Sinkam S. Patrick, Jarjoura David, Marsh Clay B.

Primary Institution: The Ohio State University

Hypothesis

Under normal healthy conditions, microvesicles contain miRNAs, contributing to biological homeostasis.

Conclusion

This study is the first to identify and define miRNA expression in circulating plasma microvesicles of normal subjects.

Supporting Evidence

  • Microvesicles were isolated from the plasma of normal healthy individuals.
  • RNA was isolated from both the microvesicles and matched mononuclear cells.
  • Hierarchical clustering indicated significant differences in miRNA expression between PBMC and plasma microvesicles.
  • 71 miRNAs were co-expressed between microvesicles and PBMC.
  • 33 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were found in plasma microvesicles.

Takeaway

The study found that tiny molecules called miRNAs are present in blood particles called microvesicles, which help keep our bodies healthy.

Methodology

Microvesicles were isolated from the plasma of healthy individuals, and RNA was profiled for 420 known mature miRNAs by real-time PCR.

Potential Biases

No medical history was obtained from donors, which may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study was limited to Caucasian donors, and the influence of race or ethnicity on miRNA expression is unknown.

Participant Demographics

51 healthy non-smoking Caucasian individuals (24 females and 27 males) with an average age of 35±12 for females and 31±9 for males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003694

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