Applied Biosystems has expanded its range of TaqMan MicroRNA Assays, now offering nearly 300 individual assays for cell differentiation, developmental biology, stem cell and cancer research
The assays are based on a simple two-step process using Applied Biosystems's proprietary stem-loop technology for reverse transcription (RT) of the mature microRNA followed by quantitative real-time PCR.
In preliminary studies, the assays were able to quantify microRNAs in samples as small as 25picograms of total RNA and discriminate between highly homologous mature microRNAs, such as the hsa-let-7 family.
These assays are able to discriminate between highly homologous microRNAs, and the precursor and mature microRNAs.
This specificity, combined with the sensitivity and dynamic range of gold-standard TaqMan assay chemistry and real-time PCR, offers a robust, easily scalable, and cost effective method to relate the expression of microRNAs with cell types.
"We have been using the TaqMan MicroRNA Assays to study different types of brain tumours," said Prof Victor Ambros of Dartmouth Medical School, New Hampshire, and the original discoverer of microRNA molecules.
"Our studies show these assays to be the most reliable and quantitative way to screen for microRNA biomarkers that distinguish tumour types."
