Abstract 5405: Multiplex profiling of miRNA biomarkers for discovery and verification using the FirePlex® platform

To address the needs for microRNA (miRNA) biomarker discovery and verification, we developed the FirePlex ® miRNA assay. This assay enables the detection of 5-400 miRNA targets per sample in 96-well format, with readout on standard flow cytometers and analysis with an included bioinformatics software package. The FirePlex miRNA assay combines particle-based multiplexing, using patented FirePlex ® hydrogel particles, with single step RT-PCR signal amplification using universal primers. Thus, the FirePlex miRNA assay leverages PCR sensitivity while eliminating the need for separate reverse transcription reactions and mitigating amplification biases introduced by target-specific qPCR. The miRNA assay can reliably detect as few as 1000 miRNA copies per sample with a linear dynamic range of ~5 logs, and without the need of prior RNA purification, making the assay ideally suited for profiling in serum, plasma, exosomes, urine, and directly from FFPE tissues. Furthermore, the ability to multiplex targets in each well eliminates the need to split valuable samples into multiple reactions. Results from the FirePlex miRNA assay are displayed and interpreted using the integrated FirePlex Analysis Workbench, which allows visualization, normalization, and export of experimental data with only a few mouse clicks. To aid biomarker discovery studies, we offer pre-designed panels of 400 miRNAs based on a research-curated list of miRNAs published to be found in circulating biofluids. For studies focused on specific research areas of interest, we offer pre-designed focus panels for Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology, Immunology, and Organ Toxicity. These carefully curated panels include hemolysis markers to assess sample quality, as well as critical normalization factors. Here we present the data from several studies investigating circulating miRNA profiles, as well as miRNA profiles obtained directly from FFPE tissues, using the FirePlex miRNA Assay Panels. Together, this novel combination of bioinformatics tools and multiplexed, high-sensitivity assays enables rapid discovery and verification of miRNA biomarker signatures from biofluid samples. Citation Format: Elnaz Atabakhsh, Ivona Kelley, Michael Tackett, Izzuddin Diwan, Gensis Tejada, Conor Rafferty, Daniel Pregibon. Multiplex profiling of miRNA biomarkers for discovery and verification using the FirePlex ® platform [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5405.