miRNA Sequencing
What Is miRNA Sequencing?
miRNA Sequencing enables the discovery and quantification of microRNAs, ~20-24 nt non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by guiding RISC complexes to target mRNAs for repression or degradation. Transcribed as long pri-miRNAs, they’re processed by Drosha in the nucleus and by Dicer in the cytoplasm to yield mature miRNAs.
miRNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) profiles these tiny regulators, both known and novel, across tissues, biofluids, or extracellular vesicles, illuminating post-transcriptional control layers in development, disease, and therapy response. This high-resolution approach detects known and novel miRNAs, illuminating post-transcriptional regulation in development, disease, and cross-species adaptation.
At AUGenomics, we provide sensitive and accurate miRNA sequencing services to support research in gene regulation, disease mechanisms, and biomarker development. Our ultra-sensitive workflows capture even low-abundance miRNAs from as little as 10 ng total RNA.
Advantages of miRNA Sequencing
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Low-Input Sensitivity: Works with as little as 10 ng total RNA—even from exosomes, serum, or FFPE—capturing low-abundance miRNAs.
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Novel miRNA & Editing Discovery: Deep, strand-specific reads enable de novo detection of unannotated hairpin-derived RNAs and A-to-I edited sites.
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UMI-Enabled Quantitation: Optional Unique Molecular Identifiers collapse PCR duplicates for absolute molecule counts and improved reproducibility.
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High Multiplexing & Throughput: Dual-index barcoding allows 96–384 samples per lane, accelerating large-scale biomarker screens.
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Biofluid & Degraded Sample Compatibility: Optimized protocols deliver uniform libraries from challenging inputs (plasma, saliva, FFPE).
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pid Turnaround & Cost Efficiency: Streamlined workflow yields data in 7–10 business days at competitive per-sample pricing.
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AUGenomics’ miRNA-Seq services harness these advantages to deliver the most comprehensive, accurate portrait of your small-RNA regulatory landscape.
miRNA sequencing unlocks a vast array of research and clinical applications, including:
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Novel & Known miRNA Discovery: Detect unannotated hairpin-derived small RNAs alongside canonical miRNAs.
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Expression Profiling Across Sample Types: Quantify miRNAs in tissues, cell lines, biofluids (serum, plasma, urine), and exosomes.
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Time-Course & Perturbation Studies: Track dynamic miRNA changes during development, differentiation, or drug treatment.
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Disease Biomarker Discovery: Identify miRNA signatures in oncology, cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders.
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Liquid Biopsy & Non-Invasive Diagnostics: Profile circulating and exosomal miRNAs for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer or transplant rejection.
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Immune & Infection Research: Chart miRNA-mediated regulation in T/B cell activation, host–pathogen interactions, and viral miRNA detection.
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Developmental & Stem Cell Biology: Explore miRNA roles in embryogenesis, stemness, and lineage commitment.
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Agricultural & Environmental Studies: Investigate plant and animal miRNAs in stress responses, crop traits, and cross-kingdom communication with microbiomes.
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Therapeutic Target Validation: Evaluate antagomiRs or miRNA mimics in preclinical models and clinical trials.
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Comparative & Evolutionary Genomics: Compare miRNA repertoires across species to understand conservation and adaptation.
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Toxicogenomics & Pharmacogenomics: Discover miRNA biomarkers of drug response, toxicity, and personalized medicine stratification.
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Network & Pathway Mapping: Integrate miRNA expression with mRNA targets to build regulatory networks and pathway enrichments.
Whether you’re mapping fundamental gene-regulatory circuits or developing next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics, AUGenomics’ miRNA-Seq services deliver the depth and precision you need to uncover the full spectrum of small-RNA biology.
What is miRNA Sequencing Used For?
miRNA Sequencing with AUGenomics
Sample Submission
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Accepted Sample Types: Total RNA or small RNA-enriched samples from tissue, blood, plasma, serum, cell lines, or exosomes
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Input Requirement: 10–100 ng of total RNA or small RNA (ultra-low input options available)
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Sequencing Recommendations:
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Read length: 1x50 bp (single-end) standard
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Depth: 10–20 million reads/sample for robust expression analysis
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Library prep includes adapter ligation, size selection, and unique molecular identifiers (optional)
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Please refer to our Shipping Guidelines for project-specific guidance.
Turnaround Time
Typical turnaround is 7-10 business days from sample receipt. Expedited options are available depending on project scope and sequencing depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between miRNA sequencing and small RNA sequencing?
A: miRNA sequencing specifically focuses on microRNAs (~22 nucleotides), while small RNA-seq may include other RNA species like piRNAs, snRNAs, and tRNAs.
Q: Can I submit biofluid samples like serum or plasma for miRNA-seq?
A: Yes. We accept and routinely process low-concentration RNA from serum, plasma, and exosomes with protocols optimized for sensitivity.
Q: Do you offer miRNA target prediction or pathway analysis?
A: Yes. We can include bioinformatics tools that map differentially expressed miRNAs to predicted targets and biological pathways.
Q: Can you detect isomiRs?
A: Yes—our adapter design and bioinformatics pipeline capture single-base variants at miRNA ends.
Q: Are UMIs necessary?
A: UMIs improve quantitation accuracy by collapsing PCR duplicates, crucial for low-input or high-PCR-cycle libraries.
Q: Can I profile exosomal miRNAs?
A: Absolutely—optimized extraction and library prep recover miRNAs from EVs, plasma, and serum.
Got more questions? Contact our team and get a free consultation anytime. info@augenomics.com
Glossary of Terms
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miRNA: MicroRNA, short non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression
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Small RNA: A broad class of RNA molecules shorter than 200 nucleotides
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Adapter Ligation: Step in library prep where synthetic sequences are added to ends of RNA fragments
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UMIs: Unique Molecular Identifiers, used to correct for amplification bias
