eca-mir-127: Eca-mir-127 is a microRNA that has been studied as a potential diagnostic biomarker for equine sarcoid (ES) disease. However, its diagnostic power is weak, with sensitivities and specificities around or below 60% [1]. Interestingly, the diagnostic ability of eca-mir-127 appears to be highly dependent on the breed of the equids. In Franches-Montagnes horses, eca-mir-127 reached a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 83% for diagnosing ES, while in Swiss Warmblood horses it was non-diagnostic [1]. Male equids showed higher levels of eca-mir-127 in whole blood than female equids [1]. Additionally, horses showed higher expression of eca-miR-379 and eca-miR-432 compared to donkeys [1]. Eca-mir-127, eca-miR-379, and eca-miR-432 are all encoded by a large miRNA cluster on equine chromosome 24 that has been proposed to play a role in ES pathogenesis [1]. The expression levels of these miRNAs are influenced by biological variables such as breed and sex [1]. Eca-mir-127 was confirmed as a diagnostic predictor for ES in equids but with poor sensitivity and specificity [1]. Reference: [1] Cosandey A et al. (2022) Whole blood microRNA expression profiles as potential biomarkers for sarcoid disease in horses. PLoS One. 17(2):e0262022.