CD Genomics is devoted to partnering with you to determine the optimal solution or technology to suit your specific microRNA research project. We provide advanced, flexible, scalable, and affordable solutions utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to help scientists deepen the understanding of microRNA biology.
Overview of microRNAs
The microRNAs (miRNAs) are small (~22 nucleotides long), noncoding, double-stranded RNA that can post-transcriptionally mediate the expression of targeted genes with complementary sequences. miRNA can interact with both mRNAs and lncRNAs. Thousands of human genes have been identified as targets for miRNAs, making them an abundant class of regulatory genes in humans. Some miRNAs found to be expressed in a tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific manner. Biogenesis of miRNAs includes the intermediate primary miRNA and precursor miRNA forms, as well as post-transcriptional nucleotide additions and deletions, resulting in 'isomiRs'. miRNAs are considered as potential biomarkers for various diseases. In cancer, miRNAs function as regulatory molecules, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. miRNA expression profiling is important for identifying crucial miRNAs that play an important part in the regulation of a range of processes such as cellular differentiation and proliferation, tissue differentiation and disease pathology. Determination of platform and approaches for miRNA profiling should include consideration of the need and power to distinguish between different forms of miRNAs.
Figure 1. Biogenesis pathway of canonical miRNAs.
Characteristics of microRNAs
miRNAs are small (commonly 20-24 nt), noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression with complementary sequences.
At the post-transcriptional level, miRNA can not only mediate translation repression and mRNA decay, but also activate protein translation under different cellular circumstances.
lncRNAs sharing miRNA response elements could keep corresponding mRNAs from miRNAs mediated repression.
miRNAs function as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), except miRNAs derive from RNA transcripts with the structure of hairpins, whereas siRNAs derive from longer regions of double-stranded RNA.
miRNAs are abundant in eukaryotes and appear to target around 60% of the genes of mammals.
Our Solutions for Comprehensive microRNA Research
CD Genomics employs state-of-the-art NGS platforms to deliver excellent microRNA research services, including microRNA target prediction and microRNA expression analysis.
We provide RNA sequencing and microRNA sequencing to predict miRNA targets. In addition to in silicon prediction, we also measure the correlation of miRNAs and corresponding protein levels to accurately determine miRNA targets.
We provide NGS approaches coupled with bioinformatics analysis for miRNA expression analysis and differential expression analysis, contributing to understanding the dynamic level and complicated functions of miRNAs.
By integrating miRNA and mRNA analysis, we offer a holistic view of gene regulation networks, enabling the identification of key regulatory interactions and potential therapeutic targets.
Gregory R I, Shiekhattar R. MicroRNA biogenesis and cancer. Cancer research, 2005, 65(9): 3509-3512.
Pritchard C C, Cheng H H, Tewari M. MicroRNA profiling: approaches and considerations. Nature Reviews Genetics, 2012, 13(5): 358-369.
Shenouda S K, Alahari S K. MicroRNA function in cancer: oncogene or a tumor suppressor?. Cancer and metastasis reviews, 2009, 28(3-4): 369.
Matsuyama H, Suzuki H I. Systems and Synthetic microRNA Biology: From Biogenesis to Disease Pathogenesis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020, 21(1): 132.
* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Figure 1. Biogenesis pathway of canonical miRNAs.
