Sistemic - SistemRNA

SistemRNATM

SistemRNA™ is an enabling platform technology which profiles microRNA expression and utilises in-house customised algorithms to analyse the microRNA dataset that is produced when a cell is perturbed by a stimulus.

This creates models/clusters of microRNA that define the phenotypic response. The microRNA response is reproducible and is a robust marker defining the biological interaction between cell and the environment.

The benefit is that the microRNA profiling using SistemRNA™ monitors pathway control of the entire biological system of the cell in a single assay. Data is kept to a minimum whereas knowledge is greatly enhanced, allowing more appropriate decisions to be taken. SistemRNA™ analysis captures the dynamic response of all the cellular pathways as well as their interactions giving enhanced clarity without data overload.

RNA suitable for microRNA analysis can be isolated from a variety of source materials: cells, tissues, paraffin-embedded tissue. Sistemic can prepare total RNA in-house, or inform on the best methods of preparation..

RNA samples are processed through a NanoDrop and Bioanalyser 2100 to quantify and ensure integrity before proceeding to the profiling stage.

SistemRNA™ uses two of the most robust microRNA profiling technologies available: microRNA microarray (Agilent Technologies) and QPCR Array-Card (Applied Biosystems).

A multi-dimensional approach is used to analyse the microRNA profile data. We apply a number of statistical analyses to the data to generate three lists of kmiRs, before correlating these lists with each other to identify the most significant microRNAs affecting the system.

Once the most significant microRNAs have been identified, changes in expression can be confirmed by specific QPCR (Quanta BioSciences).

With access to gene ontology databases, we can provide contextual analysis on the kmiRs identified by SistemRNA™, to help inform on potential mechanism-of-action and future analyses.

SistemRNA™ uses ‘best-in-class’ technology at each step of the process, ensuring the quality of the starting material before microRNA profiling and validation using microarray and QPCR technologies. Our statistical analysis is carried out in-house using a combination of approaches to identify the key microRNA changes (kmiRs) affecting the system in question.

Mechanism Of Action

Sistemic can inform on the potential mechanism of action of your compound. Using the SistemRNA^™ workflow, we can detect a miRNA signature specific to your compound which provides valuable biological information. Sistemic can analyse compound-specific microRNA alterations in context providing ontological analysis, and insights into the likely mechanism of action of your compound. By interrogating Sistemic’s knowledgebases (SistemKB^™), this can lead to confirmation of the drug class and mechanism of action of your compound.

Lead Selection

Sistemic can provide you with the information you need to make better decisions on lead selection. The miRNA profile of a cell in response to your compound provides valuable biological information which, with a single analysis platform, can inform on mechanism of action and/or toxicity. Using the SistemRNA^™ workflow, we can quickly and efficiently detect the miRNA profiles of multiple compounds. This information, which allows Sistemic’s knowledgebases to be interrogated (SistemKB^™), can provide you with the answers you need to make decisions on which of your compounds is likely to provide the best option for further development.

Predictive and Investigative Toxicology

Many drugs never reach the market because of associated problems with toxicity. Sistemic offers a highly-predictive, simple and cost-effective way to detect the toxicological profile of your compound. Using the SistemRNA^™ workflow, we can analyse the miRNA profile of your compound, looking for signatures known to be associated with a toxic response. This permits discovery of potential safety issues early in the drug development process. Sistemic’s toxicology knowledgebase can make this a fast, cost-effective and efficient process part of your drug development programs. SistemRNA^TM also provides a highly informative platform for investigate toxicology studies. When analysed in context, the miRNA alterations elicited by your toxic compound point to the likely signalling pathways that underlie the toxicity.

Our Process

Total RNA Preparation

RNA QC

RNA samples are processed through a NanoDrop and Bioanalyser 2100 to quantify and ensure integrity before proceeding to the profiling stage.

microRNA Profiling

SistemRNA™ uses two of the most robust microRNA profiling technologies available: microRNA microarray (Agilent Technologies) and QPCR Array-Card (Applied Biosystems).

Statistical Analysis

Validation

Once the most significant microRNAs have been identified, changes in expression can be confirmed by specific QPCR (Quanta BioSciences).

Contextual Analysis

With access to gene ontology databases, we can provide contextual analysis on the kmiRs identified by SistemRNA™ ™, to help inform on potential mechanism-of-action and future analyses.