Quantitative approaches for small RNA expression analysis via multi-step RT-qPCR
Key roles small RNA play in the field of biomarker discovery and current approaches to best quantify these targets and their expression using modern multi-step RT-qPCR methodology.
Recent biomedical research has been punctuated by the surprising discovery of numerous non-coding small RNAs species encoded by genomes spanning every species including microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), repeat-associated siRNAs (RasiRNAs), 21U endo-siRNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs).
These small RNAs are involved in myriad aspects of cellular functions via direct or indirect interplay with genomic DNA, RNAs and proteins. Functional studies on these small RNAs have continued to expand and some preliminary findings have suggested that they are involved in regulating genome stability, epigenetic marking, transcription, translation, and protein functions.
Detection and quantification of miRNA and other small RNAs, approximately 20-30 nucleotides in length, has provided key insights into understanding their biological functions, particularly functions in regulating gene expression and RNA silencing. Additionally, recent research has identified and elucidated the importance of miRNAs as key targets, potential novel therapeutic biomarkers and how dysregulation of these small RNAs can lead to the onset of various cancers and other pathologies. That said, quantitative analyses of small RNAs have been challenging because of their small sizes (~20 nucleotides (nt) for miRNAs, ~30 nt for piRNAs and 60–200 nt for snoRNas).
In this webinar, we will examine small RNAs, all that they impact, and the current state of quantifying these novel targets in multi-step RT-qPCR analysis.
What will you learn?
- High-level overview of Small RNAs and their functions
- Small RNA roles in disease progression and as potential biomarkers / therapeutic targets
- Current approaches and challenges to quantifying small RNA targets in biofluids and tissues
Who may this interest?
- Biomedical researchers utilizing RNA expression analysis for biomarker discovery
- Individuals seeking to quantify levels of these small RNAs under different physiological and pathological conditions, where new techniques may be essential for future functional studies
Speaker
Tracy Iles
Global Head of Method Development, Molecular Bioanalytical Services
Labcorp Drug Development
Tracy Iles brings more than 20 years of experience in the molecular bioanalytical field and in multiple CMC fields, including virology, bioassay and ELISA.
She possesses specialized expertise in cell culture, cell-based assays, DNA/RNA isolation and qPCR/RT-qPCR/ddPCR.
As the global head of method development for molecular bioanalysis for Labcorp Biopharmaceutical CMC Services, Tracy provides scientific leadership and technical guidance for Labcorp’s large molecule bioanalytical laboratories and partners with our clients in the development and validation of molecular biology assays throughout the drug development continuum.
Additionally, Tracy obtained her BSc in biochemistry from the University of Reading and has been a member of the EBF qPCR team for several years.
This webinar was recorded on Thursday 12 October 2023.
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