Applied Biosystems New TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays

Building upon its nearly 10-year history of advancements in miRNA research, Thermo Fisher Scientific is expanding the TaqMan MicroRNA Assay portfolio with the launch of the TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays. These preformulated primer and probe sets are designed to detect and quantify mature miRNAs in biological samples. Together with the new TaqMan Advanced miRNA cDNA Synthesis kit, this system is designed for analysis of multiple miRNA targets, with improved sensitivity for low-abundant miRNA targets in samples such as plasma or serum. The TaqMan Advanced miRNA cDNA synthesis kit uses a universal reverse transcription (RT) step, providing a streamlined workflow with analysis of up to 600 miRNAs from a single RT reaction. The TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays deliver superior sensitivity and specificity, at a price comparable to SYBR-based assays for miRNA analysis.

TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays can detect as few as 60 copies of input RNA and provide highly reproducible results across six logs of dynamic range. In addition, these assays exhibit high specificity with minimal cross-reactivity between closely related miRNAs.  The superior performance of TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays makes them ideal for studying low-expressing miRNAs in limited samples and for detecting circulating miRNAs, which show promise as disease biomarkers given their high stability in biofluids and regulation of cellular processes.

Key Applications:

Translational researchers developing miRNA biomarkers for detection of cancer and other diseases, analysis of circulating miRNAs in blood plasma or serum; validation of next- generation sequencing (NGS) and microarray miRNA data.

Features/Benefits:

Universal RT - one RT step for all TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays

Sensitivity - detect as little as 60 copies of input miRNA

Specificity - detect only the mature miRNA and distinguish between highly homologous targets

Small sample input - detect and quantify mature miRNA from as little 2 µL plasma

Compatible with biofluids including human serum, plasma and tissue