miRNA analysis

Rapid, robust miRNA profiling for accelerated discovery

Genefficiency miRNA Services deliver reliable and cost-effective miRNA analysis for a diverse range of studies — from project design to bespoke analysis options. Enrichment for small RNA is not required, reducing the potential for bias in your data plus the procedure requires only 100 ng of total RNA — maximising your precious samples.

Genefficiency microRNA Services deliver:

• Robust, high-quality data with as little as 100 ng total RNA
• Cost-effective analysis using 8x15k or 8x60k format arrays
• Exceptional study design and support with our experienced team
• Peace of mind with complete sample tracking and quality assurance
• Rapid delivery of high-quality results using automated sample processing

The role of miRNA in health and disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of small, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs approximately 19–30 nucleotides in length. They act as regulatory molecules in post-transcriptional gene silencing and have recently been found to be central to gene expression, development, proliferation and differentiation, and apoptosis.

miRNAs were first discovered in 1993¹. Since then, the number of miRNAs in the Sanger miRBase database has increased rapidly. Precursor miRNAs have been found in animals, plants, and viruses and it is thought that as many as one-third of all mammalian genes may be regulated by miRNA². It is now estimated that there are >800 miRNAs in humans alone³. Some research suggests that there may be as many as 20,000 noncoding RNAs in eurkaryotic organisms⁴.

As such, their potential to impact on human health and disease is considerable. Indeed, recent cancer research has focused on the study of miRNA and the understanding of miRNA expression and resulting changes in gene expression. Studying miRNA may provide great insights into human diseases (e.g. as diagnostic markers for tumour classification, prognostic markers for treatment or biomarkers). There are over 11,500 miRNA-related publications listed on PubMed alone.

Superior performance in miRNA profiling

Genefficiency miRNA Services are ideal for molecular genetic studies of complex diseases.

Genefficiency Services use the Agilent platform and arrays, which have significant benefits, such as an optimised probe design method and labelling protocols. A unique probe design provides high sensitivity and specificity, allowing confident detection of both low-abundance and highly homologous miRNAs. Synthetic miRNAs can be detected at concentrations of <0.1 amol.

Cost-effective analysis using 8x15k and 8x60k array formats

Genefficiency miRNA Services allow you to scan all known miRNAs in one single experiment for a range of species (Table 1). Array content is selected using the latest release of the Sanger miRBase. Our team will guide you in all aspects of experimental design, including selecting the right array format for your needs (Figure 1).

Table 1. Pre-designed Agilent CNV microarrays

* For more detailed information about these arrays, please contact us.

Figure 1: 8x15k and 8x65k array formats.

Exceptional study design and support with our experienced team

Our experienced multi-disciplinary team provide a full range of expert consultation and support services to ensure you receive the highest quality data. We can advise you on all aspects of your experimental design, including sample preparation (e.g. optimal nucleic acid extraction) and custom array design, if required. In addition, through our dedicated bioinformatics team, we offer bespoke data analysis options from simple data transfer to more demanding pathway analysis and statistics.

Figure 2. Bespoke experimental design and reporting. Genefficiency Services are tailored to your precise requirements, ensuring maximal data quality from your samples

Personalised data analysis

Data analysis can be specifically tailored to your needs. We offer a range of options: from comprehensive QC checks and data normalisation to cluster analysis, statistical analysis and pathway annotation. For best results, we encourage you to discuss your data analysis requirements with us as part of the study design. This approach ensures that the experimental design and, in particular, the sample numbers and the sample pairing fully support the desired analysis. 

Rapid delivery of high-quality results using automated sample processing

We have a proven track record in microarray technology and services. As the world’s first Agilent High-Throughput Certified Service Provider, we combine our expertise in microarrays with Agilent’s microarray platform.

We offer a comprehensive, flexible, high-throughput microarray service for projects ranging from 1 to 1,000s of samples. State-of-the-art robotics, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and integrated quality controls — including full ozone monitoring and control — are combined with industry-leading microarray platforms, to ensure your project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art laboratories are based in Oxford, UK. We work under an ISO9001:2008 and ISO27001:2005 certified management system.

Peace of mind with complete sample tracking and quality assurance

Your samples are valuable; therefore we perform rigorous quality control (QC) and reporting strategies — from sample right through to result utilising our bespoke LIMS system. In addition, OGT records full details of all reagents, consumables and equipment used allowing a 360° audit trail.

Links

• Contact us to discuss your project requirements
• Microarray training courses available — contact us for more information

References

1. Lee, R.C. et al (1993) Cell 75, 843
2. Lewis, B.P. et al (2005) Cell 120, 15
3. Bentwich, I. et al (2005) Nat Genet 37, 766
4. Okazaki, Y. et al (2002) Nature 420, 563