DATE: November 15, 2017
TIME: 09:00am PST, 12:00pm EST, 6:00pm CET

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (approximately 21 nt long) that bind complementary sequences in target mRNAs to specifically regulate gene expression. miRNAs play important roles in regulation of gene expression during cell development, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Misregulation of miRNAs and their targets has been associated with several diseases including cancer. The interplay between miRNA and mRNA has been found to be important in cancer development and progression. Simultaneous expression studies of miRNA and mRNA can be valuable in understanding molecular mechanisms that may potentially have an underlying role in various diseases. In this webinar, we demonstrate the technical verification of a novel method to reverse transcribe and pre-amplify miRNA and mRNA from sample limiting serum research samples using TaqMan® Advanced miRNA cDNA synthesis Kit.

Based on results from previous studies and unpublished data, Dr. Buchholz’s research group identified a signature of 49 mRNA and 37 miRNA targets that may help to distinguish between benign and malignant pancreatic tissues in the future. In this study these previously identified miRNA and mRNA targets have been used to study expression pattern differences in serum from Normal and Test samples. These miRNA and mRNA targets were spotted on Custom TaqMan array cards to facilitate investigation of 4 samples on each card. Initial results indicate that miRNA and mRNAs can be reliably quantified from a single reverse transcription reaction.

Learning Objectives:

• Study of miRNAs in Oncology Gene Expression
• Understanding the interplay between miRNA and mRNA impacts cancer development and progression
• Use of Data Analysis tools for Gene Expression studies involving miRNA and mRNA
• Understanding molecular mechanisms that may potentially have an underlying role in various diseases