Applications > miRNA > miRNA Overview

miRNA


Dissect novel pathways of gene regulation. Confidently identify changes in miRNA expression. Evolve with a changing miRNA research landscape.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of small single-stranded non-coding RNAs (19-30 nucleotides long) that serve widespread functions in post-transcriptional gene silencing. Recently, research has demonstrated that miRNAs are crucial regulators of gene expression, affecting a wide variety of cellular functions including development, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Begin your sample analysis with accurate quantification and monitoring of miRNA fractions from either total RNA or enriched small RNA fractions, using the Small RNA Kit for the 2100 bioanalyzer. Follow sample preparation by addressing your novel research questions related to miRNA expression, using Agilent's MicroRNA Profiling System, an 8 x 15K miRNA-specific microarray. This novel microarray features:
  • Low Sample Input – Agilent’s innovative probe design and direct labeling protocol require just 100ng of total RNA for reliable results.
  • Broad Dynamic Range – Agilent’s miRNA profiling system spans greater than 5 logs for comprehensive miRNA expression profiling.
  • Precise miRNA Discrimination – Agilent’s in situ synthesis process delivers probes capable of accurate single-nucleotide discrimination between similar size and sequence miRNAs.

Learn more about miRNA technology and access a full library of related publications.

Visit Agilent's miRNA Research Education Center
Search a complete compendium of miRNA research publications
Download Scientific Presentations

New Options in High-Throughput miRNA Profiling
A review of Direct and Sensitive miRNA Profiling from Low-Input Total RNA.

The research of Wang et al (2007) highlights key technological advances required for the development of a microarray-based method for profiling miRNAs. This Agilent internal research team has developed a sensitive, accurate, and multiplexed microRNA (miRNA) profiling assay that is based on a highly efficient labeling method and novel microarray probe design. The probes used for the newly developed array provide both sequence and size discrimination, resulting in highly specific detection of closely related mature miRNAs. Using a simple, single-vial experimental protocol, 120 ng of total RNA was directly labeled using Cyanine3 or Cyanine5, without fractionation or amplification, to produce precise and accurate measurements within a linear dynamic range from 0.2 amol to 2 fmol of input miRNA. Using this platform, experimental results provided quantitative estimates of the miRNA content for the tissues studied. The assay was also suitable for use with clinical samples extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.. The method developed by these researchers allows rapid design and validation of probes for simultaneous quantitative measurements of all human miRNA sequences in the public databases and for new miRNA sequences as they are reported...
More