MiR-9, a factor in alcohol tolerance

MiR-9 levels were shown to increase in the brain within minutes of alcohol exposure. MiR-9 was shown to target alcohol sensitive variants of the BK channel protein. This protein has been previously implicated in development of alcohol resistance, and has many variants. The development of alcohol resistance in itself is thought to be a risk factor for alcoholism.
[CTA]

patent: Classifying patients for Bcl-2 inhibitor therapy

Abbot Laboratories
The patent covers the evaluation of patients suitable for therapy by Bcl-2 inhibitors (ABT-263, ABT-737). The patient is profiled for deletions in the region of microRNAs miR-15a, miR-16-1, and miR-34c. Flourescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) is used for analysis.
[patent:WO/2008/082643]

patent: Monitoring organ rejection by miRNA profiles

This describes measurement of several dozen miRNAs, most identified as being similair to mouse miRNAs, in various body fluids and biopsies, using a range of techniques. It also mentions similair diagnostics in other mammals and measurement of other short RNAs.
[patent:WO/2008/079303], [lab]