Salivary mircroRNA and early diagnosis of periodontal problems
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large family of about 22-nucleotide-long, non-coding, single-stranded RNA molecules that that inhibit gene expression post-transcriptionally by pairing with complementary sequences in their target mRNA. miRNAs are a pivotal component of host-pathogen interactions and host immune responses toward microorganisms. The similarity between miRNA profiles of saliva and other body fluids strongly supports the potential of using miRNAs from human cell-free saliva as biomarkers for various human diseases.