Small RNA Analysis

The discovery of MicroRNAs has opened up an exciting new avenue that can be exploited in the development therapeutics and in diagnostics. These small (~22 nucleotide) single-stranded RNAs which were previously thought to be "junk" DNA are now known to regulate the expression of other genes, without themselves being translated into protein. As such, they are members of "non-coding" RNA families, whose structures play a key role in the functioning of the cell.

View the Fios Genomics workflow here.

• Experimental Design Consultation

  Careful experimental design is the first key step in getting the most from small RNA expression studies. We offer a Consultation Service to assist you in the choice of small RNA expression platforms, advice on wet lab service providers and options for balanced and statistically sound experimental design.

• Differential gene expression

  Comprehensive processing, QC and analysis for major small RNA expression platforms (Agilent, Illumina, Ambion, etc.), including full statistical analysis for reliable detection of differential expression.

• Target selection

  Detection of microRNA binding motifs from mRNA gene-expression data, in particular where an miRNA has been knocked out or knocked in across samples. Co-analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression data and integration of other miRNA target prediction technologies.

• siRNA off-target analysis

  Analysis of gene-expression data following an siRNA screen to detect evidence of off-target effects.

• Clustering

  Clustering of samples according to small RNA expression or miRNA target profiles. Identification of groups of samples or groups of small RNAs which co-cluster significantly or are associated with a particular phenotype or clinical state.

• Network and pathway analysis

  Integration of small RNA profiling or target data with gene-expression, protein-interaction or pathway data. This analysis is performed using a unique 3D visualisation package that allows small RNA data to be placed in the context of large biological networks for rapid detection of significant biological effects.