New Qiagen miScript system forms an integrated and comprehensive solution for the isolation and detection of miRNAs in hundreds of assays, which are available for the human, mouse and rat genome
Qiagen has introduced what it calls a pioneering technology which creates a new dimension of capabilities for assays targeting microRNAs (miRNAs).
miRNA-related research in academia, pharma and molecular diagnostics can be considered one of the most rapidly evolving fields in today's life sciences.
miRNAs are a newly discovered class of RNA molecules which have been found to play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression.
Recent discoveries indicate that miRNAs can correlate with cancer and other diseases, sparking significant interest in today's life science and molecular diagnostics research.
Despite the significant importance of this new class of RNA molecules, current methods for the isolation, identification and quantification of the presence of miRNA in biological samples are often cumbersome and imprecise.
Qiagen has unveiled a 'unique' solution which allows for the sensitive, specific and simultaneous detection and quantification of hundreds of different miRNAs as well as other RNAs (eg, mRNA).
The newly launched miScript product line incorporates a proprietary technology which for the first time enables researchers to identify multiple miRNAs from one single cDNA reaction in a given biological sample.
cDNA is a synthesised copy of the RNA which is widely used for PCR-based target detection in molecular biology, biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
The features offered by Qiagen's proprietary miScript assay technology can equate to substantial time savings while allowing tremendous sensitivity and specificity.
"The new miRNA system marks a great step forward in miRNA research", said Constanze Kindler, senior product manager at Qiagen.
"So far, researchers had to create a new copy of the DNA every time they wanted to detect a miRNA molecule.
"This often leads to inconsistent results and a waste of precious samples, such as cancer and tissue cells.
"miScript simply makes miRNA detection faster, more economical and convenient", Kindler added.
The new system expands Qiagen's already broad portfolio of sample and assay technologies targeting the rapidly expanding field of miRNA and demonstrates the company's well established capabilities and leadership in the field of sample and assay technologies.
