Single-molecule/particle counting for microRNA detection and imaging

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are responsible for post-transcriptional gene expression regulation and they widely participate in different cell development processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs levels may interfere normal gene regulation to cause diverse human diseases including cancers. The accurate and sensitive detection of miRNAs are highly valuable for disease dignosis, prognosis, and therepy. Single-molecule fluorescence detection is an advanced bioanalysis technology with the characteristics of simplicity, minimum sample consumption, ultrahigh sensitivity, and rapid assay time. Single-molecule counting allows accurate quantification of interested target via simply counting the numbers of individual fluorescent bursts. With the introduction of nanomaterials as the fluorescent labels/fluorescent probe carriers, single-molecule counting can be extended to single-particle counting with the capability of counting the numbers of individual fluorescent particles for target quantification. Herein, we review the advances in single-molecule/particle counting for in vitro and in vivo microRNA detection and imaging, and sumarize their principles, features, and biomedical applications. We highlight the future directions in the field as well.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating post-transcriptional gene expression and are involved in various cellular processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs can contribute to the development of human diseases, including cancer. Accurate and sensitive detection of miRNAs is essential for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Single-molecule fluorescence detection is an advanced bioanalysis technology that offers simplicity, minimal sample consumption, ultrahigh sensitivity, and rapid assay time. This review summarizes the recent advances in single-molecule/particle counting for miRNA detection and imaging in vitro and in vivo, discussing their principles, features, and biomedical applications. The future directions in this field are also highlighted.