Methods used for non-coding RNAs analysis

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs are RNA species that do not encode for proteins, and the majority of the human transcriptome is dominated by ncRNA. Recent extensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses have identified many different classes and sizes of ncRNA. They are now understood to be critical to the overall functioning, growth, development, and differentiation of cells. Differential expression and tissue specificity of many ncRNAs have been reported in normal development and disease states including cancer. Lack of functional ncRNAs may also lead to cancer progression. Therefore noncoding transcripts as biomarkers may be used in either predictive or prognostic ways. As such, over the past 15 years they have emerged as key biomarkers in cancer pathology, relating to both early detection and molecular subtyping. Due to important functional roles of ncRNAs in various cancers, the requirement for technologies used in the field is rapidly increasing. This chapter classifies ncRNAs based on their sizes, and describes methods applied for the identification and characterization of ncRNAs. It outlines key methods used for the purification of good quality RNA, various detection methods, analysis of gene expression as well as techniques that can applied for functional characterization of ncRNA. It also highlights critical steps and options to provide a general guide for ncRNA analysis.