miRNAs as biomarkers for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying a miRNA profile for a particular condition, such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, and using the profile in the diagnosis of a patient for a condition, such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.
1. A method of producing labeled nucleotide sequences from a thyroid sample from a subject, the method comprising
contacting the thyroid sample from the subject with labeled primers specific for a group of microRNAs consisting of miR-375, miR-146b-5p, mir-138-1*, and miR-204; and
reacting the sample with the labeled primers under conditions to amplify the microRNAs using polymerase chain reaction to produce the labeled nucleotide sequences.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label is non-radioactive.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label is radioactive.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label is a UV spectrum emitting label.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label is a fluorescent label.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the label is an enzymatic label.