miRNA Arrays - which to use? - (Jun/24/2009 )

Hello all

I'm completely new to the field of miRNAs and am currently trying to persuade my boss that this is an exciting new area we should get into.

I would like to write a grant proposal using miRNA array technology on human samples and want to hear from people who are using this technique to get your opinions on which is the best platform to use.

Our lab currently has Affy, Agilent and Taqman platforms available - any opinions on the pros and cons of these? Do you think the platform you are using is wonderful/ has it's problems/ terrible?!


Thank you very much
Emily

EmilyG on Jun 24 2009, 04:37 PM said:

Hi Emily.
I'm currently using TaqMan microRNA arrays 2.0 from Applied Biosystems and i can tell u which PROs and Cons i experienced.
PROs: easy to use and handle, possibility to do a PreAmp step when using cery low amounts of RNA, quick results (each card 1h and 30'), high sensitivity
CONs: u need a dedicated instrument and block (AB 7900HT with dedicated block, more or less 100 000 euros), when using low amounts of RNA u can have many false positives/negatives so your results need to be validated after screening.

i don't have access to any other technology so it's a must-use for me. not so bad but i'd like to be more sure about my post screening data.

hope it helps
Fizban

Hello there

Thank you for your response, I will have to check exactly which TaqMan equipment we have available - not sure anyone has tried it for miRNA screening yet.

One more question, were you happy with the price of reagents and cards?

I've been looking into Affy as it's the platform we have the most experience with and it's £111 per miRNA array plus £24 per reaction to label everything.

BW
Emily