Utilizing a modified sample preparation process, Helicos will enable the interrogation of all known miRNAs while also allowing for the discovery of novel miRNAs in the same experiment. The application is digitally quantitative, enabling researchers to accurately assess the abundance of a particular miRNA.

For the first time, researchers will have a tool that, in a single assay, allows:

• Profiling of known miRNAs
• Discovery of new miRNAs
• Digital quantitation of all miRNAs present in the sample (known and unknown)

The ability to interrogate and quantify miRNA in a high throughput manner will provide valuable insight into the mechanisms involved in genome regulation, and will also help round out the growing repertoire of nucleic acids that the HeliScope™ Single Molecule Sequencer is able to probe. Simplification of the sample preparation process combined with the advantages of True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)™ will allow researchers to shed new light on the involvement of non-coding RNA in disease states such as cancer.

For more information on miRNA, please contact collaborations@helicosbio.com