Circulating (cell-free) nucleic acids – A promising, non-invasive tool for early detection of several human diseases

• Published in: FEBS letters Vol. 581; no. 5; pp. 795 - 799
• Main Authors: Swarup, Vishnu, Rajeswari, M.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 06.03.2007
• Subjects: Biomarkers - blood; Cell-free nucleic acid; circulating nucleic acid; Circulating nucleic acids; CNA; Diagnosis; Disease; DNA - blood; DNA - genetics; Female; Humans; methylation specific PCR; MSP; myocardial infraction; nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Neoplasms - blood; Neoplasms - diagnosis; Neoplasms - genetics; NPC; Plasma - metabolism; Plasma DNA; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Prognosis; RNA - blood; RNA - genetics; SCLC; SLE; small cell lung carcinoma; SSc; systemic lupus erythematosus; systemic sclerosis; NPC; Circulating nucleic acids; SCLC; SSc; CNA; Cell-free nucleic acid; MSP; MI; SLE; Plasma DNA
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.01.051

Circulating nucleic acids (CNA) are present in small amounts in the plasma of healthy individuals. However, increased levels of plasma CNA have been reported in a number of clinical disorders like cancer, stroke, trauma, myocardial infarction, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy-associated complications. CNA has received special attention because of its potential application as a non-invasive, rapid and sensitive tool for molecular diagnosis and monitoring of acute pathologies and the prenatal diagnosis of fetal genetic diseases. This review throws light on the current status of blood CNA as a diagnostic marker and its potential as a powerful tool in the future.