Noncoding RNAs as Novel Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer

Figure 2

microRNAs can be released from normal and malignant cells in the blood circulation. This process can be passive, for example, after apoptosis, or as active secretion. In plasma or serum, cell-free microRNAs are protected against RNase activity, for example, through their binding to AGO1, AGO2 proteins or to high density lipoproteins. Furthermore, microRNAs can also be incorporated into microvesicles, such as exosomes, apoptotic bodies, or circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Specific microRNAs released from prostate cancer cells in body fluids, such as blood or urine, can serve as novel biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, or monitoring of cancer patients.