The College of Pharmacy at the University of Kerbala Organizes a Scientific Workshop on microRNA Detection Using Stem-Loop Technique and Its Applications in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Kerbala organized an advanced scientific workshop titled “Detection of microRNA Using Stem-Loop Technique and Its Applications in Disease Diagnosis and Patient Response to Treatment,” with the participation of college staff. The workshop was presented by Prof. Dr. Hassan Mahmoud Mousa Abu Al-Maali and Lecturer Dr. Hussein Abdul Ali Al-Hur.

The workshop focused on the use of miRNA expression profiles as biomarkers for early detection of various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers, in addition to neurological and inflammatory diseases. It also addressed the pharmaceutical applications of miRNAs, such as evaluating drug efficacy in individuals based on their gene expression patterns—a field known as pharmacogenomics.

The session further explored the regulatory roles of miRNAs in cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy by modulating the gene expression of drug transporter proteins or apoptosis-related factors.

The workshop aimed to equip participants with both theoretical and practical skills in detecting microRNA molecules using the Stem-Loop RT-qPCR technique, one of the most sensitive and accurate methods for measuring miRNA gene expression in various biological samples. Emphasis was placed on applying this technique in modern medical research, particularly in areas such as disease diagnosis, monitoring patient response to treatment, predicting adverse drug effects, and tracking the development of drug resistance in chronic and malignant diseases.