Page 8 - IBRO_RNA School_Abstract Book

Tools for RNA studies

Beena Pillai
CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology,
Mathura Road, Delhi, India

Regulatory RNAs come in diverse shapes and sizes. Some long non-coding
RNAs are several kilobases in length while microRNAs are a tiny 19-22nt. A typical
lncRNA maybe expressed at low levels in the cell and could

be poorly conserved in sequence yet others maybe as abundant as
typical mRNAs and even though unique in sequence, they may arise from a
similar region in genome of mouse and human. The small miRNAs in sharp
contrast tend to be highly conserved but each genome may carry
multiple closely related or even identical paralogs. Detection, over-expression
and knockdown of non-coding RNAs present some unique challenges which
will be discussed. Specifically, the use of vectors to clone miRNA precursors,
tools available for detection and delivery of non-coding RNAs to the brain
will be described. The experience gained on various research projects
involving miRNAs and lncRNAs in humans, mouse, zebrafish and
mammalian cells will also be shared.

Virtual Lab session: miRNA profiling in human serum

Prachi Singh

CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology,

Mathura Road, Delhi, India

Circulating miRNAs can be detected in human
serum samples. The relatively stable nature of miRNAs, tissue specific
roles and implications in several diseases has led to the suggestion
that they may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of a variety
of disease conditions. In neurodevelopmental disorders, generally,

early diagnosis facilitates possible interventions. In a group of Down’s
syndrome patients, we found that a sub-group showed a distinct
expression pattern of certain circulating miRNAs. The protocols we
standardized for reliable detection of miRNA from human serum samples will
be demonstrated. Critical factors in ensuring consistent detection of miRNAs
and common pitfalls will be discussed.