Whole genome transcript profiling from fingerstick blood samples: a comparison and feasibility study.
Elizabeth H Robison1, Tony S Mondala, Adam R Williams
1Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA. erobison@scripps.edu
BMC Genomics
|December 19, 2009
Summary
High-quality RNA for gene expression studies can now be isolated from small fingerstick blood samples. This method offers a less invasive, more convenient alternative to traditional venous blood collection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Whole genome gene expression profiling has advanced significantly with microarrays.
- Improvements in RNA isolation techniques enhance data reliability.
- Current kits require large venous blood samples (≥2.5 mL), limiting accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for isolating high-quality RNA from small fingerstick blood samples for gene expression analysis.
- To overcome the limitations of current RNA isolation kits requiring large blood volumes.
- To enable less invasive, more mobile, and cost-effective gene expression studies.
Main Methods:
- A modified protocol of the Qiagen PAXgene RNA Blood Kit was used.
- Approximately 70 µL of whole blood was collected via fingerstick using a lancet and capillary tube.
- Total RNA was extracted and assessed for quality and yield.
Main Results:
- An average of 252.6 ng of total RNA with an average RNA Integrity Number (RIN) of 9.3 was recovered.
- Post-amplification yielded an average of 7.0 µg cDNA from 50 ng of total RNA.
- Fingerstick collections showed high correlation with venous collections (r² values 0.88–0.97).
Conclusions:
- The fingerstick method yields excellent RNA quality comparable to traditional methods.
- Gene expression data from fingerstick samples highly correlate with venous blood samples.
- This technique offers a viable, less invasive alternative for gene expression studies.
