MICRORNA BASED METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL TUMORS AND OF METASTASIS

摘要

The invention encompasses the identification and selection of novel miRNAs as biomarkers so as to provide a method for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The miRNAs identified are differentially expressed in subjects with colorectal cancer compared to subjects without colorectal cancer. Further, some of the identified miRNAs were found to play a critical role for the progression of colorectal cancer into metastasis and, thus, facilitate a differential diagnosis between tumor and metastasis. Nucleic acids which are capable of specifically detecting the miRNAs identified are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are sets of said nucleic acids, which arc particularly suited for being used in multiplex RT-PCR or in array techniques. Further encompassed are compositions and kits containing said nucleic acids and nucleic acids for use in diagnosing colorectal cancer.