The first functional test for simultaneous identification and validation of miRNA targets, which is easy to use and offers rapid results with guaranteed accuracy.

Technology

King's College London has developed the first functional test for the identification and validation of the specific targets for miRNAs.  A proprietary RNA library can be generated from any tissue, or can be supplied to researchers as a separate product. This library is then screened with an miRNA of interest, identifying its targets by a functional test.  The test design results in only positive target clones being identified.  This technique is easy to use, and offers comparatively rapid results with guaranteed accuracy.

The role and the specific targets of most miRNAs are largely unknown. Currently, such target identification is undertaken using computer algorithms and subsequently validated using in vitro assays. However, the software is not very effective and generates many false positives; therefore target validation is laborious and inefficient. 

The test allows simple and accurate identification and validation of miRNA targets.  Another feature of the test is the possibility to identify off-target effects of specific siRNAs.  SiRNAs by their nature are similar in structure to miRNAs, and may have effects via the miRNA mechanism which are undesirable.  Currently, there is no accurate method to screen siRNAs for such off-target effects.

Market

The use of miRNAs in diagnostics and target discovery is of great interest in the fields of oncology, wound healing and infectious disease.  MiRNA research can be seen to be a rapidly-growing field, with over 1300 publications in the last 3 years.  This test will be an invaluable asset to commercial and academic researchers working with miRNAs.

SiRNAs are also a rapidly-growing area, and as therapeutic siRNAs become increasingly used, the necessity for ensuring off-target effects are known will become highly important.

A supporting product will be proprietary 3'UTR libraries from a variety of species, tissues and disease states for use with the test.

Benefits

The test is the only known method for simultaneous target identification and validation.  Current identification methods identify dozens or even hundreds of putative targets for each miRNA, each of which needs to be validated individually with current technology.  The speed and potential for cost saving is likely to lead to high demand for this test.

Development

The test is being validated by testing positive controls against a small library.  Larger libraries will be generated to further validate the performance of the test.

Early Stage

A PCT patent application has been filed.

Licensees are sought for this technology.