MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of ~22nt long non-coding RNAs. They are evolutionarily conserved and play essential roles in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. The rapidly developing next generation sequencing (NGS) has important applications in miRNA detection. This review is focused on the mechanism of three NGS platforms and their applications in miRNA detection. In contrast to traditional methods, NGS has major advantages: high throughput, precise, accurate, and repeatable. Its application includes new miRNAs exploration, detection of miRNA*, miRNA editing, and isomiR and target mRNA detection. As NGS develops, the cost of sequencing is declining which makes it possible for NGS to be widely used in the coming years. Next generation sequencing will greatly promote researches of miRNAs.%MicroRNAs(miRNAs)是一类在进化上高度保守的非编码小分子单链RNA(～22nt),在基因转录后调控中发挥至关重要的作用.越来越多的证据表明,miRNAs 参与很多重要的生理和病理过程,例如发育、器官形成、调亡、细胞增殖、肿瘤发生等.近年来飞速发展的新一代测序技术在miRNA 检测方面具有重要的应用.文章简要介绍了新一代测序技术3 大平台的基本步骤和原理,测序数据的生物信息学分析方法以及新一代测序技术在miRNA 方向的主要应用.相比于传统的miRNA 检测方法,新一代测序技术具有通量高、对遗传物质检测完全且准确度高,可重复性好等优点,在探索新miRNA、miRNA 互补链、miRNA 编辑、miRNA 异构体检测以及miRNA 靶基因检测等方面具有巨大优势.随着新一代测序技术的不断发展,测序成本不断降低,在未来几年,新一代测序技术的使用率或将大大增加.新一代测序技术的不断应用将进一步促进人类对于miRNA 在各种生理病理过程中的功能和调控的认识.
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