Small non-coding RNAs and aptamers in diagnostics and therapeutics

Abstract

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA aptamers have recently emerged as highly versatile and valuable tools in disease diagnostics and therapeutics, largely due to their key regulatory functions in many human diseases including cancer, viral infections, genetic disorders, etc. Recent technological advancements as described in the previous chapters have greatly aided the discovery of sncRNAs and their applications for disease detection and therapy. Here, we describe the advantages of using sncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, followed by some of the most recent examples of their use and a vision for the future perspectives.