MicroRNA qPCR Expression Platform Reduces Sample Input Requirements

A new microRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product line combines all the advantages of locked nucleic acid (LNA) technology with a universal reverse transcription (RT) step, resulting in a very sensitive microRNA expression profiling system.

Exiqon, A/S (Copenhagen, Denmark) announced the global launch of its new platform for quantitative real-time PCR analysis of microRNAs, called miRCURY LNA Universal RT. The use of two LNA-enhanced PCR primers results in both exceptional sensitivity and specificity, enabling accurate quantitation of very low microRNA levels, and discrimination between closely related microRNA sequences. The universal RT step greatly reduces sample input requirements and technical variation, and most importantly saves time in the laboratory.

The new microRNA qPCR product line includes ready-to-use qPCR panels, combining performance and ease of use for exceptionally sensitive expression profiling of 730 human microRNAs. The new panels have already been shown to enable accurate and reproducible expression profiling from samples with limited RNA yields such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections and serum/plasma samples. "This is truly an enabling product,” said Cynthia French, chief scientific officer for Exiqon. "This new microRNA qPCR platform will make expression profiling of microRNAs possible from even smaller amounts of high value, clinically significant samples than previously thought possible.”

In addition to the microRNA ready-to-useqPCR panels, all 730 primer sets are also available as individual microRNA assays. The platform also offers assays for reference genes and three new reagent kits for quantitative real-time PCR of microRNA species.

"We are exceptionally excited to see Exiqon--a key player in the microRNA field--entering the market for large-scale microRNA expression profiling by qPCR,” said Dr. Kai Wang from the Institute of Systems Biology (Seattle, WA, USA). "In our hands, the microRNA ready-to-use PCR Panels gave sensitive and consistent results. The product clearly provides an excellent and convenient solution for global microRNA profiling.”

"We are confident that these assays will provide us with an accurate and robust biomarker discovery and validation workflow in the future,” stated Dr. Angela K. Hodges, lecturer from the Institute of psychiatry at Kings College London (UK), who has been testing the new miRCURY LNA Universal RT microRNA PCR assays on plasma samples.

Exiqon is focused on personalizing the treatment selection for cancer patients. The aim is to optimize the use of existing medicine and avoid unnecessary and ineffective treatment. By using molecular diagnostic tests that analyze the genetic profile of each patient's tumor, treatment selection can be optimized for individuals.

Exiqon already markets diagnostic tests that based on fresh tumor tissue enable doctors to test whether their patients are resistant to one or more of the chemotherapies offered to treat these patients and help them select an efficacious treatment. Exiqon's new molecular diagnostic products are based on the LNA technology that enables testing on fixed tissue.

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