Investigation of potential use of MicroRNAs as biomarkers for antidumping analysis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (19 to 25-nucleotides) noncoding transcripts involved in many cellular mechanisms, including erythropoiesis, response to hypoxia, anabolic processes, growth factors abuse, transfusions and other doping practices. 

MiRNAs have been found in tissues and also in serum and plasma as well as other body fluids, in a remarkably stable form that is protected from endogenous RNase activity and harsh conditions. Moreover, plasmatic miRNAs were shown to be very specific and sensitive biomarkers. 

Due to all these aspect miRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers for detection for detection of various cancers, diseases and injuries. Specific miRNAs were shown to be related to drug abuse and to doping. In this project, we are going to investigate whether circulating microRNAs can serve as biomarkers for anti-doping analyses. 

To this end we will analyze miRNA levels in serum and plasma by miRNA microarrays and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).