Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
IMPROVED METHODS FOR ISOLATING RNA FROM LIMITED SAMPLES
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$220,853.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION: A need currently exists for methods to quantitatively purify RNA
from small-scale samples (1-10,000 cells and tissue amounts ranging from 0.05 -
5 mg). Recent technical advances in the ability to microdissect individual cell
types by laser capture from thin tissue sections has led to a need for better
methods to isolate RNA from a few cells for expression profiling. Also, there
is increasing demand for RNA isolation from small tissue samples. Clinical
specimens are becoming smaller, with a trend toward fine-needle aspirates
replacing more invasive surgery. Another situation that may require RNA
purification from limited samples is in assessing the cells sorted by FACS,
such as in combinatorial screening strategies for identifying minor populations
expressing desirable responses to pharmacological compounds. In all of these
cases, isolation of the maximum possible yields of high quality intact RNA is a
requirement and a challenge. Compounding the challenge is the difficulty in
assessing RNA yields from limited samples; traditional methods based on
spectrophotometric assessment and gel analysis are too insensitive. The goal of
this application is to develop methods for efficient quantitative recovery of
high-quality RNA from limited samples, especially from those obtained by laser
capture microdissection.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The proposed project will result in kits for the research and clinical markets to use for
isolation of RNA from micro-scale samples. It is anticipated that the kits will be especially
useful for expression profiling of cells recovered using Laser Capture Microdissection.
Principal Investigator:
Marianna M. Goldrick
Small Business Information at Submission:
AMBION, INC.
2130 WOODWARD ST, #200 AUSTIN, TX 78746
EIN/Tax ID:
742515119
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No