Identifying microRNAs that can serve as biomarkers for prostate cancer

Using Fluidigm Corporation's BioMark System and Digital Array integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs), researchers from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have identified serum microRNAs that can serve as biomarkers for prostate cancer.

To do this, the UCSF research group designed their own microRNA preAMP and PCR primers specifically to be used on the BioMark platform. Through this method, they were able to identify mRNA signatures that correlate with prognosis.

Advanced high definition genomic analysis system

Fluidigm has introduced the new BioMark HD Real-time PCR System, the company's most advanced instrument for genomic analysis ever. The BioMark HD System is designed for researchers who require the sensitivity and throughput needed to study gene expression down to the single-cell level - especially those who have limited amounts of sample or study rare populations of cells.

The BioMark HD System is the newest member of the BioMark family, which has delivered significant scientific insights to over 200 customers around the world. In addition to the sizeable throughput advances, the new BioMark HD System features a number of other important design changes incorporated to improve performance, lower operating costs and provide an expanded applications suite.

"We expect our customers to embrace the improved capabilities of the new BioMark HD platform, as it is designed to provide them with even greater efficiencies," said Gajus Worthington, president and chief executive officer of Fluidigm. "The BioMark HD System is designed to provide exceptional data quality, extraordinary flexibility, and faster time-to-results that collectively allow researchers to analyze their experimental outcomes rapidly and publish their results sooner."