Applied Biosystems launches miRNA analysis tools

Applied Biosystems has launched a new range of tools for analysis of microRNA (miRNA), it has been revealed.

The TaqMan Array Human MicroRNA Panel helps researchers to identify miRNA biomarkers to accelerate research, the company states.

By using a smaller initial sample for analysis, projects where a limited amount of tissue is available may be carried to completion, Applied Biosystems adds.

Peter Dansky, vice-president and general manager of molecular and cell biology consumables business at the firm, explains: "Although the discovery of microRNAs is a relatively recent event … research continues to reveal the significant role they play in a variety of fundamental cellular processes.

"With these new miRNA TaqMan arrays, researchers have fast, highly-sensitive tools with which to perform large-scale profiling."

The company recently published research which found that miRNAs may be able to block tumour growth.

A study performed in collaboration with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute identified miR-34 as the miRNA family capable of influencing levels of the p53 gene associated with tumour development.