Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers useful in cancer diagnosis. They have been found to be bound to various carriers like proteins, lipoprotein particles, and exosomes. It is likely that only miRNAs in particular carriers, but not the overall quantity, are directly related to cancer development. Herein, we developed a microchip platform for rapid separation of different miRNA carriers in serum. We developed a multi-channel multi-well chip that allow separate extraction of microRNAs from proteins, lipoprotein complexes, and exosomes. The eluted microRNAs are collected and quantified to obtain their distribution profiles among these three carriers. In comparison to the existing separation techniques used for miRNA fractionation, this new method is much faster and easier to perform; requires smaller sample volumes and can be done with higher degree of automation to avoid variations introduced by human operator; and is more suitable for processing a high number of patient samples. We found out the distribution profiles of 9 selected miRNAs could clearly differentiate cancer patients from healthy individual. Additionally, disease stage could be recognized using a panel of miRNAs and their carriers, showing high promises in disease diagnosis. We believe our microchip device will be a highly useful tool for comprehensive screening of the distribution of circulating miRNAs among various carriers. Such study will not only facilitate the discovery of specific miRNA biomarkers for disease diagnosis, but also help to understand the biogenesis and functions of circulating microRNAs, contributing to better disease healing strategies. The works were supported by NIH R01 CA188991-01A1; NSF #CHE-1057113; and Seed grants from UC Riverside.<br/> <br/> <br/>

On-chip extraction of circulating microRNAs from various carriers

251st National Meeting (2016)

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