MicroRNA detection by microarray.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs approximately 22 nt in length that regulate gene expression and play fundamental roles in multiple biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis as well as disease processes. The study of miRNA has thus become a rapidly emerging field in life science. The detection of miRNA expression is a very important first step in miRNA exploration. Several methodologies, including cloning, northern blotting, real-time RT-PCR, microRNA arrays and ISH (in situ hybridization), have been developed and applied successfully in miRNA profiling. This review discusses the main existing microRNA detection technologies, while emphasizing microRNA arrays.