Comprehensive data analysis for development of custom qRT-PCR miRNA assay for glioblastoma: A prevalidation study

Abstract

Aim: Glioblastoma (GB) is one notable example of miRNA-modulated neoplasms. Given its unique expression signature, proper miRNA profiling can help discriminate between GB and other types of brain tumors. The current work aimed to develop a more GB-specific and applicable custom designed quantitative real-Time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) miRNA assay. Materials & methods: A comprehensive data analysis of bioinformatics databases, previous literature and commercially available pre-designed miRNA PCR arrays within the market. Results: A highly enriched panel of 84 deregulated and GB-specific miRNAs has been developed. Conclusion: After validation of this newly developed array, it can not only save the researcher's time and effort, but can also have a potential diagnostic and/or prognostic role in GB, paving the road toward personalized medicine.