Figure 4

MiRNA-based diagnosis strategies for cancer. The workflow of detecting cancer based on miRNA profiling is included sample (serum or tissue) collection, miRNA expression profiling, data analysis of miRNA expression level and cancer risk assessment. The level of the at least one miRNA gene product can be measured using a variety of techniques (microRNA chip, quantitative or semi-quantitative RT-PCR, northern blot analysis, solution hybridization detection etc.) to provide a profile for the test sample. The level of at least one miRNA gene product in a test sample from the subject is compared to that in a control sample. A significantly increased or decreased alteration in the level of the miRNA gene product in the detected sample is indicative of the subject either having or being at risk for developing a cancer.