Digital PCR assays for miRNA targets

Digital PCR is highly suited for profiling miRNA as potential biomarkers or for verification of gene silencing experiments, as it can monitor very small changes in expression levels and quantify low-abundance transcripts and targets from limited starting materials, even in complex samples.

• Check if the miRNA target is present in the predesigned assay catalogue. If not, consider custom miRNA assay design
• Ensure your sample type and input amount are compatible with your workflow
• Consider whether multiplexing is needed
• Verify that you have access to a suitable dPCR instrument (e.g., QIAcuity) and partitioning format for your study

To choose an miRNA dPCR assay for circulating biomarkers, start by searching your target miRNA on the GeneGlobe miRNA dPCR page and select a miRCURY LNA miRNA dPCR Assay, which is optimized for ultra-sensitive detection in plasma/serum. If you can’t find your target, try the miRCURY LNA miRNA Custom PCR Assays. Then confirm compatibility with your experimental design and don’t forget to include proper controls (spike-ins, non-template control (NTC), etc.).

The technology in the LNA probe miRNA assays enhances specificity and sensitivity for miRNA targets (which are very short and often have highly similar family members). Even more, compatibility with dPCR means you get absolute quantification, via partitioning, for miRNAs, which is particularly useful in low-abundance or variable samples. Another perk is that the assay portfolio is quite broad, meaning you can cover many miRNAs across 270+ species.

Yes, but for optimal performance, we recommend running the miRNA assays on the QIAcuity Digital PCR System. 

Predesigned miRNA dPCR assays are ready-made miRCURY LNA assays for all known, cataloged miRNAs and can be ordered immediately. Custom assays are created when your miRNA isn’t in the catalog or you need special specificity, allowing you to design an assay for any sequence. In short, choose predesigned for known targets and custom for novel or highly specific targets.