Methods of MicroRNA Quantification in Urinary Sediment

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as a promising biomarker for many diseases. Research on urinary miRNAs, however, is at the early stage. Preliminary studies found an association between urinary miRNA levels and lupus nephritis. This chapter describes the methods of measuring miRNA levels in urinary supernatant, both within and outside microvesicles. Methods include sample preparation, microvesicle isolation, and quantification of specific miRNA targets. Each step is elaborated as detailed experiment protocols. Notes on necessary explanations, possible problems, and how they could be overcome are also provided.