What is the focus of the research conducted in your lab?

We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying common diseases using multiple omics techniques, such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and more. Our areas of focus include cardiovascular as well as infectious diseases. In addition, we are involved in many genetic and molecular epidemiological studies based on two large cohort studies, the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP/SHIP-TREND) (1) and the Greifswald Approach to Individualized Medicine (GANI_MED) (2).

How did you come to be interested in miRNAs?

miRNAs have been discussed as promising diagnostic and predictive biomarkers. Non-cellular circulating plasma miRNAs are easy to sample, highly stable, and simple to quantify by standard techniques such as RT-qPCR. This makes them ideally suited for large-scale association and case-control studies for the discovery of molecular signatures of disease-related phenotypes.

What is the aim of projects currently using miRNA qPCR?

We are investigating plasma miRNAs of several hundred individuals from the population-based SHIP-TREND cohort. Our goal is to detect plasma miRNA signatures associated with phenotypes related to common human diseases.

What were some specific challenges in your experiments?

The main challenge in our experiments has been to extract and detect plasma miRNAs reproducibly and reliably. Our plasma samples must be standardized in quality and amount, as demonstrably high consistency is mandatory when you are working with several hundred samples. The miRCURY workflow uses spike-ins at different stages of the total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis procedure. That, combined with the miRCURY LNA miRNA QC PCR Panel, allows for very precise quality control of samples and streamlined data pre-processing.

What was most important to you when choosing an miRNA qPCR system?

We started large-scale studies on plasma miRNAs in 2011 and required a highly efficient approach to detect and distinguish RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length. We needed a method with high specificity and sensitivity. Your miRNA Panels using LNA-modified RT-qPCR assays represented an attractive approach that fulfilled these criteria.

What would be your advice to colleagues about getting started on miRNA qPCR analysis?

The efficiency of miRNA profiling in individual samples depends on plasma type (e.g., EDTA, citrate) and the quantification protocol. Stringent quality control must be an integral part of your workflow to ensure comparability of individual samples. Also, in studies associating plasma miRNA levels with specific clinical phenotypes, special attention must be paid to sex and blood cell parameter differences between samples. (3)