Rolling Circle Amplification of Micro-RNA Sample
Background
- Miocroarrays are used to study expression of thousands of genes in various tissues.
- Expression analysis using microarrays typically require 5-10 micrograms of total RNA. Large tissue samples or cultured cells readily yield 10 micrograms of RNA; however, total RNA in a single cell is estimated to be less than 1 picogram.
- Gene expression analysis of small (i.e. micro) samples is not currently possible given the amount of RNA required.
- Today, two methods are being used to amplify small RNA samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in vitro transcription cycles. While each has its advantage and provide good amplification and sensitivity, neither can provide reliable, reproducible and representational product from micro-samples of RNA.
- However, a micro-sample, such as obtained from embryonic organs, diseased tissue, tumor tissue or isolated from single cells, can be of most interest. Micro-samples present a more precise snapshot of a cell's gene expression than that presented by analysis of large complex tissue samples.
Description of Current Technology
Discovered in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Potter of the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, the present invention provides a method for amplifying an RNA that is well suited for use with minute amounts of template RNA. The technology allows efficient conversion of RNA into circular cDNA templates suitable for rolling circle amplification. The product of rolling circle amplification can then be labeled using any one of a variety of methods. Current methods provide 200-500 fold amplification while rolling circle amplification of 1000 to even 1,000,000 fold per cycle is achievable. Thus, the sensitivity and robustness of this method should appeal to researchers and physicians analyzing complex tumor tissues, embryonic materials or cellular responses. The relative abundance of different transcripts associated with disease progression may be analyzed using this new technology. A patent application has been submitted.
Objective
The creation of a useful product incorporating this new technology could provide a novel approach to research, diagnosis and treatment of disease. We are seeking a corporate partner to sponsor further research into the refinement of this technology and/or to license this invention to bring a product to market. Various options will be considered.
Contact
To received illustrations and other confidential information, please contact:
Joseph D. Fondacaro, PhD
Director, Office of Intellectual Property & Venture Development
Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation
Mail Location 7032
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039
Phone: 513-636-7695
Fax: 513-636-8453
Email: jdfonda@chmcc.org
Related Study Information
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