Wider Selection of MicroRNA Assays

Applied Biosystems has expanded its range of TaqMan MicroRNA Assays, now offering nearly 300 individual assays for cell differentiation, developmental biology, stem cell and cancer research. The assays are based on a simple two-step process using Applied Biosystems stem-loop technology for reverse transcription (RT) of the mature microRNA followed by quantitative real-time PCR. In preliminary studies, the assays were able to quantify microRNAs in samples as small as 25 picograms of total RNA and discriminate between highly homologous mature microRNAs, such as the hsa-let-7 family. These assays are able to discriminate between highly homologous microRNAs, and the precursor and mature microRNAs.