Saliva

Saliva RNA — Accessible and non-invasive biomarkers

Saliva is a readily accessible biological fluid containing a rich mixture of molecules, including RNA secreted from salivary glands, oral tissues, and systemic circulation. Changes in the RNA profile of saliva can reflect local and systemic health conditions, making it an attractive medium for non-invasive diagnostic applications. RNA sequencing of saliva holds great promise for identifying RNA biomarkers linked to diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic disorders, opening new avenues for early detection, tracking of disease progression, and personalized treatment.

Why sequence saliva with omiics

As with all cell-free biofluids, saliva has ultra-low RNA content which makes detection difficult and requires expert sample preparation and bioinformatics. Omiics has optimized protocols for both total RNA-seq and small RNA-seq of saliva, allowing detection of a large proportion of genes with good read depth using samples with an RNA content as low as 100 pg (total RNA) or 2 ng (small RNA).

Total RNA

mRNA

lncRNA

circRNA

Small RNAs

miRNA, tRNA fragments (tiRNA), siRNA, piRNA

Case: RNA biomarkers of cancer in saliva

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules involved in regulating gene expression by silencing mRNA, and miRNA expression has been repeatedly shown to be dramatically dysregulated in cancer. This gives miRNAs enormous potential as cancer biomarkers.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with tobacco, alcohol, and infection by HPV as its most notable causative agents. Identifying miRNA biomarkers of OSCC in saliva would provide a non-invasive, accessible approach for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment strategies.

Challenge:

Identify changes in the RNA profile of CSF in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy and neurological disease controls

Benefits:

+ Assess response to infection at the RNA level

+ Pathway enrichment analysis

Solution:

RNA profiling of CSF revealed 73 linear RNAs upregulated and 28 downregulated in COVID-19 CSF.

Enriched transcripts in COVID-19 CSF were downregulated in COVID-19 cells and tissues — forced RNA secretion as a potential pathomechanism?

Read the full-length publication here

Why sequence saliva with omiics

Case: RNA biomarkers of cancer in saliva

Ready to get started?

Just contact us for a non-binding inquiry or read more about our experience with other biofluids: