Small molecules with big impact on cancer biology
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny fragments of RNA that regulate how genes are expressed in cells. Though only about 20 nucleotides long, they play a powerful role in controlling cellular activity — including processes linked to cancer development.
Why They Matter in Cancer
Early signals:
Changes in miRNA levels often appear before symptoms or imaging findings.
Circulating in blood:
Unlike many molecules, miRNAs are stable and detectable in the bloodstream, making them ideal for blood-based analysis.
Shared cancer patterns:
Research shows that multiple solid tumours share miRNA “signatures” that can serve as early warning signals of disease.
This makes miRNAs a valuable tool for real-time cancer risk assessment.
Scientific Recognition
- The first human miRNA was discovered in 2000.
- Since then, hundreds of miRNAs have been identified, each with unique roles in regulating cell behaviour.
- Their importance was confirmed when the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine recognized the discovery of microRNAs and their role in gene regulation.
How miRoncol Uses miRNAs
The miRoncol Real-time Multi-Cancer Early Risk Assessment measures the expression of hundreds of circulating miRNAs and applies advanced AI to identify patterns linked to cancer biology.
Biological sensitivity:
miRNAs capture subtle cellular changes.
Multi-cancer coverage:
A single test can assess risk across more than a dozen solid tumour types.
Meaningful insight:
Results provide a real-time snapshot of cancer-associated biological activity.
Benefits of a miRNA-Based Approach
- Detects early molecular changes not visible through imaging or physical exams
- Captures shared biological signals across many cancers
- Provides meaningful, actionable insights for health-conscious individuals and physicians
- Demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting early-stage cancers across multiple tumour types
Next Step
Understanding miRNAs is the first step in appreciating how they can transform cancer prevention. By tapping into these molecular signals, the miRoncol test offers a new way to see what’s happening in your body today.
