Description

Exiqon A/S (NASDAQ OMX: EXQ), a leading supplier of high-value gene expression analysis products, today announced the launch of its miRCURY LNA™ microRNA Target Site Blocker products for efficient and specific blocking of microRNA binding.

The new miRCURY LNA™ microRNA Target Site Blockers are high affinity antisense oligonucleotides that enable researchers to study the biological consequences of blocking the microRNA interaction with a specific mRNA. The miRCURY LNA™ microRNA Target Site Blocker is available in different formats allowing for a variety of experimental setups ranging from in vitro studies in cell-lines to high-purity animal-grade for in vivo studies. 

Inclusion of LNA™ in the target site blocker dramatically increases the affinity thereby outcompeting the binding of the microRNA/RISC complex to the mRNA. By inclusion of LNA™ it is also secured that the antisense molecule does not recruit RNaseH, which otherwise would lead to degradation of the targeted mRNA and thereby false results. The use of unmodified antisense oligonucleotides often induces unintended mRNA degradation.

“This product line is based on years of collaboration with our customers, who have tested a variety of designs of the microRNA target site blockers, which has secured a highly optimized product for both in vitro and in vivo applications. These collaborations have resulted in several peer reviewed publications documenting the scientific potential and power of this product” said Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Dr. Henrik M. Pfundheller. 

This new product line will serve the needs in basic research to reveal the biological function of microRNAs. The miRCURY LNA™ microRNA Target Site Blockers are an important addition to the functional analysis product portfolio as they, in comparison to microRNA inhibitors, can give much more detailed information about the regulatory role of microRNAs. Longer term, such understanding may lead to new diagnostic biomarkers or new druggable targets.
The miRCURY LNA™ microRNA Target Site Blockers expand Exiqon’s already very broad portfolio of products for functional analysis.