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Haemolysis Detection in MicroRNA-Seq from Clinical Plasma Samples
Melanie D Smith1,2, Shalem Y Leemaqz1, Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos1
1Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
Genes
|July 27, 2022
Summary
We developed a 20-microRNA (miRNA) signature to detect hemolysis in blood plasma using high-throughput sequencing data. This method aids in identifying sample quality issues for more reliable biomarker discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma show promise as minimally invasive biomarkers.
- Haemolysis significantly impacts plasma miRNA quantification, yet standardized detection methods are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a computational method for detecting haemolysis in plasma miRNA high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data.
- To establish a reliable miRNA signature indicative of haemolysis.
Main Methods:
- Differential abundance analysis of miRNAs between haemolysed and non-haemolysed plasma samples.
- Development of a 20-miRNA signature for in silico haemolysis detection.
- Validation of the signature in independent cohorts (prostate cancer, knee osteoarthritis).
Main Results:
- A novel 20-miRNA signature was identified, capable of detecting haemolysis in HTS data.
- The signature demonstrated effectiveness across different cohorts, confirming its robustness.
- The study identified specific miRNAs that are significantly more abundant in haemolysed samples.
Conclusions:
- Haemolysis detection assays should be a standard pre-analytical step in miRNA biomarker studies.
- The proposed in silico method offers a simple and effective way to assess sample quality.
- Accurate haemolysis detection ensures the reliability of plasma miRNA biomarker data.
