Somagenics, Inc. — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal addresses the problem of bias in the ex

Description

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal addresses the problem of bias in the expression profiling of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other small RNAs by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Because dysregulation of miRNA expression has been implicated in cancer and certain other diseases, accurate expression profiling of all miRNA sequences is important for understanding miRNA biology and for development of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. NGS is currently the most comprehensive approach for digital gene expression profiling, and is used for the discovery of novel miRNA sequences, identification of sequence variants, and the quantification of known miRNAs. Unlike other expression profiling platforms such as microarrays or RT-qPCR, NGS combines unlimited multiplexing capability, single-molecule sensitivity, a superior dynamic range, and true sequence specificity without requiring prior knowledge of miRNA sequences. However, NGS expression profiling data underestimate the amount of many miRNAs in a s