Circulating RNAs and Sample Preparation for Liquid Biopsies

29 Sep 2016, at 19:30-21:30 in San Diego, California, USA

Course Title: Circulating RNAs and Sample Preparation for Liquid Biopsies

Introduction to this Training Course

The increasing focus on biofluids as sources of biomarkers for the development of minimally-invasive biofluid-based biopsies ("Liquid Biopsies") is driving the need for a deep understanding of challenges in sample preparation of clinically-relevant samples from patients, as well as the application of interrogation technologies whereby various classes of biomarkers can be studied.

This training course seeks to provide an understanding of the challenges as well as the approaches being utilized currently in the study of the biomarker cargo from various classes of biological fluids (biofluids).  The goal of this course is to provide attendees with a working knowledge of methodologies, approaches and pros/cons of each so that they can then utilize this information in their R&D programs and thereby accelerating the development of liquid biopsies.

Major Themes Addressed in this Training Course

1. Extracellular Nucleic Acids
2. Extracellular Vesicles
3. Sample preparation methodologies and approaches
   

Specific Topics Addressed in this Training Course

• The scientific background on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their biomarker cargo
• Utility of cell-free nucleic acids in biological fluids
• Differences among biofluid types
• The importance of sample collection and processing
• Options for pre-purification of extracellular vesicles, lipoproteins, and other extracellular particles
• Options for isolation of circulating RNA/extracellular RNA (exRNA)
  
• The need to keep in mind the downstream assay
• The NIH Common Fund’s Extracellular RNA Communication (ERC) Program
  

All attendees receive copies of PowerPoint presentations, protocols, and associated course materials electronically which are invaluable for R&D presentations, R&D/business plans, as well as corporate/investor presentations.

This training course also will present a hands-on practical guidance for researchers entering into the extracellular vesicles (EV) field.  Specifically, the following will be presented:

• Ultracentrifugation -- Details on how to prepare EVs
• Columns -- How to Isolate EVs using Various Commercially-Available Columns
• Methods of RNA Analysis as well as Details on Protocols Steps will be Provided
  

This is a dinner training course -- dinner will be provided to all course attendees as a means to foster communication, networking and discussions.