Experimental MicroRNA Detection Methods

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considerably small yet highly important riboregulators involved in nearly all cellular processes. Due to their critical roles in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, they have the potential to be used as biomarkers in addition to their use as drug targets. Although computational approaches speed up the initial genomewide identification of putative miRNAs, experimental approaches are essential for further validation and functional analyses of differentially expressed miRNAs. Therefore, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective microRNA detection methods are imperative for both individual and multiplex analysis of miRNA expression in different tissues and during different developmental stages. There are a number of well-established miRNA detection methods that can be exploited depending on the comprehensiveness of the study (individual miRNA versus multiplex analysis), the availability of the sample and the location and intracellular concentration of miRNAs. This review aims to highlight not only traditional but also novel strategies that are widely used in experimental identification and quantification of microRNAs.