FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research related to a class of non-coding small RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) is one of the fastest-growing areas in biomedical research. These molecules have been found to regulate gene expression and have also been implicated in a number of different diseases, including cancer. As researchers continue to investigate how the activity of miRNAs impacts the formation and progression of cancer, they will need more advanced tools. Responding to that need, Applied Biosystems (NYSE:ABI), an Applera Corporation business, today announced that it has developed a new set of sophisticated miRNA analysis tools designed to determine the activity, or profile the expression levels of large numbers of miRNA molecules from trace amounts of RNA sample. These new TaqMan-based tools require the smallest amount of starting genetic material needed for miRNA expression profiling applications compared to existing miRNA analysis tools. Use of these new tools is expected to streamline miRNA analysis workflows for researchers and provide comprehensive coverage of miRNAs expressed in cancer cell line and tumor samples, advancing scientists’ understanding of the different roles that miRNAs play in the development and progression of cancer.
