Unbiased detection and quantification of microRNAs from as little as 1 ng total RNA, supporting biomarker discovery and regulatory RNA research.
Our miRNA sequencing service enables genome-wide detection and quantification of microRNAs from low-input samples, driving biomarker discovery and regulatory RNA research.
We offer a complete end-to-end solution for small RNA sequencing, from total RNA input to publication-ready data. Our workflow is optimized for challenging samples including FFPE, blood, plasma, and serum, and requires as little as 1 ng of total RNA. Size selection for 18–30 nt small RNAs ensures specific enrichment of mature miRNAs, and our sensitive library preparation captures rare and novel transcripts.
Following sequencing on Illumina platforms, a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline aligns reads to miRBase (and optionally the genome), quantifies known miRNAs, predicts novel miRNA candidates, and performs differential expression analysis. The service is designed for researchers studying non-coding RNA regulation in disease mechanisms, liquid biopsies, and translational medicine.
Key Features
Low Input RNA Compatibility
Projects typically accept total RNA inputs as low as 1 ng, making the service suitable for precious clinical specimens, microdissected tissues, and circulating extracellular vesicles. No separate miRNA enrichment step is needed.
Difficult Sample Handling
Our library preparation protocol is validated for FFPE, blood, plasma, serum, and saliva samples. We employ optimized adapter ligation and reverse transcription chemistries to overcome degradation and inhibitors common in these sample types.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics
The standard analysis includes quality filtering, adapter trimming, alignment to miRBase (and reference genome when specified), miRNA quantification, normalization (TPM/RPM), differential expression testing, and novel miRNA prediction. Additional modules (target prediction, pathway enrichment) can be added by project scope.
Scalable Project Turnaround
Project timelines are scoped per project based on sample count, sequencing depth, and analysis complexity. A typical single-project timeline (sample receipt through final data delivery) is discussed at project initiation.
Applications
Our miRNA sequencing service supports a wide range of research needs, from basic discovery to clinical biomarker validation. The following modalities are commonly scoped:
Whole miRNome Profiling: Capture all expressed miRNAs in a sample without pre-selection, enabling unbiased discovery of dysregulated miRNAs across disease versus normal conditions.
Differential Expression Analysis: Identify statistically significant changes in miRNA abundance between experimental groups using appropriate normalization and multiple-testing correction.
Novel miRNA Discovery: Predict previously unannotated miRNA candidates from sequencing reads using structural and evolutionary conservation features.
Target Prediction & Pathway Enrichment: Integrate miRNA expression data with predicted target genes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes or Gene Ontology enrichment to infer biological functions.
Circulating miRNA Biomarker Screening: Profile cell-free miRNAs from liquid biopsies (plasma, serum, urine) to identify candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis or treatment monitoring.
Workflow
Each miRNA sequencing project is executed end-to-end with clear milestone tracking.
Sample Receipt & QC: Upon sample arrival, we perform RNA QC and confirm suitability for library preparation.
Library Preparation & QC: Samples proceed through size selection, adapter ligation, amplification, and final library validation.
Sequencing Run: Multiplexed libraries are loaded onto an Illumina flow cell and sequenced to the agreed depth.
Data Processing & Delivery: Raw FASTQ files, alignment files (BAM), count matrices, differential expression results, and a project report are delivered via secure transfer.
Dedicated Project Support
Every project includes a named scientific contact, milestone review calls, and email responses within one business day. Documentation covering all project milestones is provided.
Quality Assurance
Our quality control strategy follows industry-standard practices for small RNA sequencing. Library preparation includes post-PCR purification and size verification on a Bioanalyzer high-sensitivity chip. Only libraries that meet predefined size and concentration criteria proceed to sequencing.
During sequencing, we monitor cluster density, Q-score distribution, and read yield in real time. After sequencing, raw reads are pre-processed to remove adapter contamination, low-quality bases, and reads shorter than 18 nt. Alignment statistics (percentage mapped to miRBase, genome alignment rate) are provided for each sample.
Why Choose Us
Low Input Requirement: Accepts as little as 1 ng total RNA, enabling analysis of scarce clinical samples, microdissections, and extracellular vesicles without amplification bias.
Expertise with Difficult Samples: Extensive experience with FFPE, blood, plasma, and other challenging matrices; validated protocols for degraded RNA and low-quality specimens.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics: Standard pipeline includes miRBase alignment, differential expression, and novel miRNA prediction. Custom analysis modules can be added per project scope.
Publication-Ready Data Package: Deliverables include raw FASTQ, BAM files, quantified expression matrices, differential expression tables, and a detailed methods report suitable for manuscript submission.
Backed by Creative Biogene: All projects are delivered under Creative Biogene's ISO-aligned quality system, with dedicated project management, milestone-based reporting, and full intellectual property protection for your data.
Supported Sample Types
Our miRNA sequencing service is compatible with a broad range of sample types. The following are commonly processed:
Solid Tissues: Fresh frozen or RNAlater-preserved tissues, tumor biopsies, and laser-capture microdissected material. Requires ≥1 ng total RNA.
Liquid Biopsy Samples: Plasma, serum, urine, saliva, and other biofluids. Specialized protocols for cell-free miRNA profiling from low volumes (≥100 µL starting material).
FFPE Tissues: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from clinical archives. Our protocol includes deparaffinization and optimized library preparation for degraded RNA.
Cultured Cells and Exosomes: Primary cells, cell lines, and extracellular vesicles (exosomes, microvesicles). Standard input is 1–10 ng total RNA, with purification steps as needed.
Contact Us
Whether you are screening carriers, refining lead candidates, or building a regulatory package, the scientific team at Creative Biogene can help you design the right experimental strategy—from formulation and assay selection to data interpretation. Reach out to discuss a tailored solution for your next project.
