Role of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers and the application of omics technologies in Alzheimer's disease (Review)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has a significant association with age. Despite its increasing incidence in the population, the etiology of the disease remains poorly understood, and there are currently no effective treatments readily available. The main genes that are associated with AD are the amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1 and presenilin-2, as well as the apolipoprotein E gene. In addition to genetic factors, a wide range of environmental and lifestyle factors are equally characterized as risk factors for the development of AD, while non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and other epigenetic mechanisms play a key role in their detrimental effects. Multiple types of ncRNAs, such as microRNAs, circular RNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs and long non-coding RNAs are being increasingly implicated in AD. Alterations in ncRNAs can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, as well in as the brain, highlighting these as promising biomarkers for the detection and treatment of AD. Developments in high-throughput technologies have led to the so-called 'omics' era, which involves the collection of big data and information at both molecular and protein levels, while combining the development of novel computational and statistical tools capable of analyzing and filtering such data. The present review discusses the role of ncRNAs and their use as biomarkers for AD, and summarizes the findings from the application of omics technologies in AD.