Biofluid Services for miRNA Analysis
Scientist–driven solutions that unleash the power of miRNA biomarkers in biofluids
- Optimized workflows compatible with 5ul-1mL biofluid sample input
- Reproducible quantitation of 754 miRNAs simultaneously
- Comprehensive services from experimental design to bioinformatics
Overview
The ability to analyze miRNAs in biofluids is revolutionizing the field of biomarker discovery and personalized medicine. Easily accessible and regenerative, plasma, serum, cerebral spinal fluid and urine can be collected through minimally invasive procedures with low risk of complications. Despite their low cellular and nucleic acid content, biofluids have proven to be a rich source for miRNA biomarkers with demonstrated utility in diseases from multiple forms of cancer, to Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.
Proven Experience
Since 2001, Asuragen scientists (previously part of Ambion) have been leaders in the field of miRNA research and have developed a suite of optimized protocols for the collection, isolation, and analysis of miRNAs from biofluids. This experience is now offered as a comprehensive, turn-key service through the Asuragen Services laboratory (Figure1). Following an initial consultation to design an effective experiment and establish project priorities, samples are processed in a Good Laboratory Practice setting to purify miRNAs from a little as 5ul to up to 1mL of biofluid sample. Samples are then analyzed using TaqMan miRNA assays with protocol modifications to enhance performance of biofluid samples. Depending upon experimental objectives and/or sample limitations, this analysis can be performed on individual miRNA targets or up to a panel of 754 miRNAs simultaneously using the Applied Biosystems TaqMan Array miRNA cards. Through extensive validation of procedures and operators, Asuragen’s biofluid service delivers maximal reproducibility and robustness to ensure the highest data quality (Figure 2). Data can then processed and normalized by the Asuragen Bioinformatics team to deliver a complete data package containing miRNA signatures, statistics and pathway analysis.
Figure: Reproducibility of Technical Serum Replicates along the entire workflow. Replicate 200ul human serum samples were independently isolated, reverse transcribed, pre-amplified and analyzed in triplicate using TaqMan Array miRNA cards. miRNAs with CTs above 32 were eliminated leaving 178 miRNAs in the analysis. This data was representative of 2 additional unique paired technical replicate analyses.