Survivin mRNA isolation methods for qPCR cancer diagnosis
On February 4th, we celebrated World Cancer Day, a global initiative that aims to raise awareness, improve education, and promote action against cancer. Looking back on advances in cancer research, we focus on the role of molecular diagnostics, especially RNA-based assays, in changing the face of oncology.
Molecular biomarkers have emerged as increasingly important for early cancer detection, disease monitoring, and therapeutic decision-making. One of the major biomarkers involves messenger RNA (mRNA), which gives insight into the gene expression profiles associated with cancerous progression [1]. Reliable RNA extraction is the foundation for obtaining high-quality mRNA, and Invitek Diagnostics' RNA extraction kits offer an optimized solution for oncology applications, ensuring robust and reproducible results.
The Role of RNA Extraction in Cancer Research
The detection and quantification of tumor-specific mRNA have become pivotal in cancer diagnostics. By analyzing RNA from tumor cells, researchers can identify gene expression signatures that differentiate between benign and malignant tissues [1]. In particular, biomarkers such as survivin mRNA, which is implicated in inhibiting apoptosis and promoting tumor progression, have demonstrated potential in cancers like bladder cancer [2].
However, extracting RNA from biological samples—especially from liquid biopsies like urine, blood, or tissue biopsies—poses unique challenges. RNA is highly susceptible to degradation, making high-yield and high-purity extraction methods critical. A recent study investigating survivinmRNA as a urinary biomarker for bladder cancer highlighted the importance of high-quality RNA extraction [3]. The study found that mRNA stability and yield significantly impacted biomarker detection sensitivity and specificity.
The authors compared different RNA extraction kits, including those from Qiagen and Invitek, and showed that the InviTrap® Spin Universal RNA Mini Kit outperformed competitors in key performance metrics. The study, which evaluated RNA yield, integrity, and biomarker detection sensitivity, found that:
- Invitek's kit achieved a 30% higher RNA yield compared to Qiagen’s RNA isolation kit.
- mRNA integrity was significantly better, with Invitek demonstrating a lower RNA degradation rate.
- Detection of survivin mRNA—a crucial biomarker for bladder cancer—was 40% more sensitive when extracted using the Invitek kit compared to competitor kits.
- Reproducibility was highest with Invitek, ensuring consistent results across multiple sample types.
Advancing Oncology with Robust RNA-Based Assays
These findings highlight Invitek Diagnostics’ commitment to delivering best-in-class RNA extraction solutions that provide superior performance for oncology research.
Invitek Diagnostics provides a range of CE-IVD-certified RNA extraction kits that enable researchers and clinicians to obtain high-integrity RNA for downstream applications such as real-time PCR (qPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and transcriptomic profiling. Key features include:
- High purity and integrity: The kit ensures the isolation of high-purity RNA, free from contaminants and inhibitors, suitable for various downstream applications.
- Pure RNA without DNase digestion: The kit enables selective removal of genomic DNA during the lysis step, eliminating the need for enzymatic digestion.
- Flexible use: Optimized protocols are provided for different starting materials, such as cells, tissues, and blood. Additionally, research-use-only protocols are available for RNA cleanup from TRIzol® phases, enzymatic reactions, or simultaneous DNA/RNA isolation.
RNA-based diagnostics are transforming oncology, and high-quality RNA extraction is the cornerstone of accurate molecular analysis. Invitek Diagnostics is committed to providing researchers and clinicians with state-of-the-art RNA extraction kits that enable breakthroughs in cancer detection and treatment monitoring. By ensuring reproducibility, purity, and high yield, Invitek empowers the oncology community to advance precision medicine and improve patient outcomes
References
[1] He, J., Wu, F., Han, Z., Hu, M., Lin, W., Li, Y., & Cao, M. (2021). Biomarkers (mRNAs and Non-Coding RNAs) for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer – From the Body Fluid to Tissue Level. Frontiers in Oncology, 11, 632834. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.632834
[2] Wang, S.-G., Mu, N., & Sun, H.-Y. (2017). Effect of interventional therapy on the expression of survivin mRNA in cervical cancer. Anticancer Research, 37(8), 4707-4710. https://doi.org/10.21873/anticanres.11829
[3] Johnen, G., Gawrych, K., Bontrup, H., Pesch, B., Taeger, D., Banek, S., Kluckert, M., Wellhäuser, H., Eberle, F., Nasterlack, M., Leng, G., Stenzl, A., & Brüning, T. (2012). Performance of survivin mRNA as a biomarker for bladder cancer in the prospective study UroScreen. PLoS ONE, 7(4), e35363. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0035363
