New Platform Detects MicroRNA Directly in Serum and Plasma
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 20 Oct 2015 |
Biotech and other life science researchers will benefit from the introduction of a novel microRNA (miRNA) detection platform.
MicroRNAs are a class of about 20 nucleotides-long RNA fragments that block gene expression by attaching to molecules of messenger RNA (mRNA) in a fashion that prevents them from transmitting the protein synthesizing instructions they had received from the DNA.
The biotechnology company SomaGenics (Santa Cruz, CA, USA) has announced the launch of its novel miR-ID platform and assays for detecting miRNA using a circularization-based RT-qPCR method.
The miR-ID platform is highly sensitive, uses single-dye detection, and can discriminate miRNA isoforms with single nucleotide differences at any position along the molecule. The technology works well with all sample sources, including total RNA, cell lysates, and tissue lysates.
"The miR-ID miRNA detection platform is highly sensitive and provides much better sequence discrimination than leading competitors," said Brian Johnston, CEO of SomaGenics. "By using unmodified DNA primers, single-dye detection (SYBR green), and no specialized probes miR-ID helps keep costs low and allows for the rapid development of assays for miRNAs of interest."
In addition to applications with purified RNA samples, miR-ID has been incorporated into SomaGenics' miR-Direct technology for the direct quantification of microRNA from plasma or serum. miR-Direct utilizes solution-phase hybridization to capture probes, greatly improving the detection of low-abundance miRNAs over solid-state capture methods. This step allows concentration of target miRNAs and washing miRNAs to remove qPCR inhibitors, such as heparin, from plasma. By using a capture probe, miR-Direct eliminates the need for total RNA isolation, the most problematic and bias-prone step in currently available miRNA detection kits.
The miR-Direct/ID technology was introduced at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society, which was held October 11-14, 2015, in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Related Links:
SomaGenics
MicroRNAs are a class of about 20 nucleotides-long RNA fragments that block gene expression by attaching to molecules of messenger RNA (mRNA) in a fashion that prevents them from transmitting the protein synthesizing instructions they had received from the DNA.
The biotechnology company SomaGenics (Santa Cruz, CA, USA) has announced the launch of its novel miR-ID platform and assays for detecting miRNA using a circularization-based RT-qPCR method.
The miR-ID platform is highly sensitive, uses single-dye detection, and can discriminate miRNA isoforms with single nucleotide differences at any position along the molecule. The technology works well with all sample sources, including total RNA, cell lysates, and tissue lysates.
"The miR-ID miRNA detection platform is highly sensitive and provides much better sequence discrimination than leading competitors," said Brian Johnston, CEO of SomaGenics. "By using unmodified DNA primers, single-dye detection (SYBR green), and no specialized probes miR-ID helps keep costs low and allows for the rapid development of assays for miRNAs of interest."
In addition to applications with purified RNA samples, miR-ID has been incorporated into SomaGenics' miR-Direct technology for the direct quantification of microRNA from plasma or serum. miR-Direct utilizes solution-phase hybridization to capture probes, greatly improving the detection of low-abundance miRNAs over solid-state capture methods. This step allows concentration of target miRNAs and washing miRNAs to remove qPCR inhibitors, such as heparin, from plasma. By using a capture probe, miR-Direct eliminates the need for total RNA isolation, the most problematic and bias-prone step in currently available miRNA detection kits.
The miR-Direct/ID technology was introduced at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society, which was held October 11-14, 2015, in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Related Links:
SomaGenics
Latest BioResearch News
- Gene Signature Shows Promise for Depression Biomarker Testing
- AI-Driven Tumor Profiling Initiative Targets Precision Therapy Development
- Researchers Map Protein and Glycosylation Across 15 Human Body Fluids
- Telomere Length Abnormalities Linked to Lymphoma Development
- Biomarker Signals Chemotherapy Resistance in Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Inflammatory Gene Signature Links Metabolic Disease to Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence
- Study Links Abnormal Gene Splicing to Treatment Response in Metastatic Kidney Cancer
- Research Reveals How Some Aplastic Anemia Patients Recover Bone Marrow Function
- New Molecular Insights Support Diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Epigenetic Signals and Blood Markers Aid Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis
- Microenvironment Biomarkers Could Enable Early Lung Cancer Detection
- Study Identifies Protein Changes Driving Immunotherapy Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
- Genetic Analysis Identifies BRCA-Linked Risks Across Multiple Cancers
- Study Identifies Hidden B-Cell Mutations in Autoimmune Disease
- Single-Cell Method Measures RNA and Proteins to Reveal Immune Responses
- Study Links Midlife Vitamin D to Lower Tau in Alzheimer's
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
FDA-Cleared Assay Enables Comprehensive Automated Testosterone Testing
Accurate evaluation of androgen status often requires concordant measurement of total testosterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone‑binding globulin. Reference methods such as equilibrium dialysis with... Read more
CE-Marked Blood Biomarker Test Advances Automated Alzheimer’s Diagnostics
Specialized care settings frequently evaluate patients aged 50 years and older who present with signs and symptoms of cognitive decline to determine whether amyloid pathology linked to Alzheimer’s disease... Read moreMolecular Diagnostics
view channel
Blood-Based “Ageing Clock” Helps Predict Dementia Risk and Earlier Onset
Dementia imposes a growing health burden, affecting an estimated 982,000 people in the UK, with cases projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Earlier identification of those most likely to develop disease... Read more
Blood Test Refines Biopsy Decisions in Prostate Cancer
Prostate biopsy decisions remain challenging, with many men undergoing invasive procedures that ultimately yield negative results. In the U.S., more than a million prostate biopsies are performed each... Read moreHematology
view channel
Stem Cell Biomarkers May Guide Precision Treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer that most often affects older adults and still carries a poor prognosis despite therapeutic advances. Venetoclax-based regimens have improved... Read more
Advanced CBC-Derived Indices Integrated into Hematology Platforms
Diatron, a STRATEC brand, has introduced six advanced hematological indices on its Aquila, Aquarius 3, and Abacus 5 hematology analyzers. The new Research Use Only (RUO) indices include Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte... Read moreImmunology
view channel
Biomarkers and Molecular Testing Advance Precision Allergy Care
Allergic diseases often present with similar symptoms but can be driven by distinct biological mechanisms, making standardized care inefficient for many patients. Historically, individuals with pollen... Read more
Point-of-Care Tests Could Expand Access to Mpox Diagnosis
Mpox outbreaks in non-endemic regions have underscored the need for rapid, accessible diagnostics to limit transmission. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) remains the clinical reference, yet it depends on... Read moreMicrobiology
view channel
Molecular Urine and Stool Tests Do Not Improve Early TB Treatment in Hospitalized HIV Patients
Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, and diagnosis in hospital settings remains difficult. Symptoms are often non-specific, disease can be extrapulmonary, and many patients... Read more
Rapid Antigen Biosensor Detects Active Tuberculosis in One Hour
Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge and continues to drive significant morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization’s 2024 global report cites it as the leading cause of death... Read morePathology
view channel
FDA Clears AI Digital Pathology Tool for Breast Cancer Risk Stratification
Risk assessment at diagnosis is central to guiding therapy for early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) invasive breast cancer, where overtreatment... Read more
New AI Tool Reveals Hidden Genetic Signals in Routine H&E Slides
Pathologists worldwide rely on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides to examine tissue architecture, yet these stains do not reveal the underlying molecular activity that often drives disease.... Read moreTechnology
view channel
Fully Automated Sample-to-Insight Workflow Advances Latent TB Testing
Latent tuberculosis remains a substantial testing workload for clinical laboratories as screening programs expand. Despite this growth, only about 40% of testing has shifted from traditional skin tests... Read more
Tumor-on-a-Chip Platform Models Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Response
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the hardest malignancies to treat because tumors are embedded within a dense microenvironment that shapes growth and therapy response. Standard laboratory models often... Read moreIndustry
view channel
Roche to Acquire PathAI for Up to $1.05 Billion to Strengthen AI Diagnostics Portfolio
Roche has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire PathAI, a company focused on digital pathology and artificial intelligence for pathology laboratories and the biopharma industry.... Read more








