Research on miRNAs

Thanks to over a decade of research and cutting-edge technology, the laboratories at MooVet—a spin-off of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Milan—have developed the ability to extract, amplify, and analyze microRNAs (miRNAs) that we can now applied on massive and cost vonvenit  lab analysi or use as non-invasive predictive biomarkers in veterinary diagnostics.

What are miRNAs?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules (around 20–22 nucleotides long) that regulate gene expression. They act like molecular switches, turning genes on or off, and are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including cell development, immune response, and disease progression. Their presence and expression levels in body fluids (like blood, saliva, or urine) make them ideal for use as biomarkers—especially because they can reflect early changes in health status, even before symptoms appear.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs).

Unlike in human medicine—where the patient can communicate symptoms, pain levels, and other subjective experiences—veterinarians cannot rely on verbal interaction to assess the clinical status of animals. This inherent limitation highlights the critical importance of objective, molecular-based diagnostic tools in veterinary practice.

In this context, miRNAs have emerged as some of the most sensitive and promising biomarkers, capable of transforming the landscape of veterinary diagnostics. They offer a non-invasive, accurate, and species-specific means of detecting and monitoring a wide range of pathological conditions in both companion animals and livestock.

The application of miRNAs enables:

• Early disease detection, even in asymptomatic stages
• Continuous health monitoring, especially in chronic or progressive conditions
• Personalized therapeutic strategies, based on molecular signatures

Thanks to advances in technology, these tools are no longer confined to research laboratories. At Moovet, we have optimized and scaled up miRNA analysis protocols using high-throughput platforms, significantly reducing costs and making market-ready solutions available to veterinary professionals.

The role of miRNAs in veterinary diagnostics

Our commitment to translational research has resulted in patent filings and peer-reviewed publications supporting the clinical utility of miRNAs across various animal species. We continue to innovate in this field with the goal of integrating precision diagnostics into routine veterinary workflows.

Through this approach, we aim to:

• Improve early diagnosis and prognostic accuracy
• Support objective evaluation of animal welfare
• Enable real-time monitoring and targeted therapeutic interventions
• Ultimately promote a longer, healthier life for animals

Scientific Contributions

Lecchi et al. (2022)
Varvil & dos Santos (2023)
Hansen et al. (2024)
Zhang et al. (2017)