The Sarcoma MicroRNA Expression Database (S-MED)
An ESUN Letter to the Editor
Unambiguous diagnosis of many sarcoma types is still a challenge for pathologists. Therefore there is a need to identify and develop novel diagnostic markers for various sarcoma types. Recently, microRNA (miRNA) transcript levels have been proposed for use in the diagnosis, classification and prognosis of tumors. However, there exist no central resource that contains miRNA expression levels of various sarcoma types.
To bridge this gap, we have developed a comprehensive, first of its kind Sarcoma MicroRNA Expression Database (S-MED)1 that we expect will allow researchers to identify and develop novel miRNA-based biomarkers for sarcoma diagnosis and classification. Currently S-MED contains over 300 tumor tissue samples representing 22 different sarcoma types. The database provides both basic and advanced data search options for exploration of the data in various text and heat map formats. We believe that making the complete data publicly available will speed up the process of marker discovery and subsequent clinical applications.
I kindly invite the sarcoma researchers and clinicians to explore this database. S-MED can be accessed at http://www.oncomir.umn.edu/.
Subbaya Subramanian, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology
University of Minnesota
14-271 Moos Tower (Mail code: MMC 206)
515 Delaware St, S.E
Minneapolis, MN-55455
subree@umn.edu
Tel: 612-626-4330
Reference
1. Sarver AL, Phalak R, Thayanithy V and Subramanian S. S-MED: Sarcoma microRNA Expression Database. Lab Invest 2010 advance online publication, March 8, 2010; doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.53
V7N2 ESUN Copyright © 2010 Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.