Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Rosetta Genomics Leverages its MicroRNA Platform Technologies to Launch Plant Biotech Initiative

Home > Press > Rosetta Genomics Leverages its MicroRNA Platform Technologies to Launch Plant Biotech Initiative

Abstract:
Initiates Rosetta Green, a Project Which Will Leverage Rosetta Genomics' Proprietary microRNA Technologies and Strong IP Position to Develop a Wide Range of Plant-Based Applications

The Company has Recently Secured Up to $1.5M From Private Investors, Which Will be Invested in the Project in Trenches as Certain Milestones are Reached

Rosetta has Already Identified microRNAs Correlated With Algal Oil Content and Starch & Oil Content in Corn

Rosetta Genomics Leverages its MicroRNA Platform Technologies to Launch Plant Biotech Initiative

REHOVOT, Israel and JERSEY CITY, NJ | Posted on October 27th, 2008

Rosetta Genomics Ltd (Nasdaq:ROSG), a leading developer of microRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, announced today it has launched Rosetta Green, a microRNA-based plant biotechnology project. Rosetta Green will leverage the extensive knowledge gained at Rosetta Genomics in microRNAs, as well as its proprietary technologies and strong IP position, to develop a wide range of plant-based applications. The company has recently completed a financing round from private investors exclusively for this project.

"Since our founding in 2000, we have maintained that small non-protein coding RNA - what we now know are microRNAs - play a critical role in many cellular processes," said Amir Avniel, CEO of Rosetta Genomics. "There is a large and growing body of evidence, including research we have been conducting in-house, pointing to the importance of microRNAs in plants and algal development, which may have potential applications in a wide range of plant-based biotech products. We feel it is critical at this point in time to explore this important field to ensure Rosetta Genomics remains at the forefront of research, development and commercialization of microRNA-based products."

MicroRNAs have been established as key regulators of protein expression and their aberrant regulation in humans is associated with many serious diseases. However, microRNAs' vast potential is not limited to humans.

Research conducted at Rosetta Green has shown a promising correlation between the expression of microRNAs and algal oil content. In addition, correlation has been found between microRNAs and starch & oil content in corn.

"MicroRNAs hold significant potential for the plant biotechnology industry," noted Dr. Rudy Maor, Head of Research and Development at Rosetta Green. "Stemming from their role as master regulators of gene expression, microRNAs are believed to play a critical role in each major step in plant and algal development and may therefore affect biotech-related traits such as oil and starch content, stress-tolerance, growth rate, yield, and more."

"Using Rosetta Genomics' unique microRNA technologies and strong IP, our goal is to develop a wide range of solutions that will assist companies in addressing critical unmet needs, " said Dr. Dalia Cohen, Chief Scientific Officer at Rosetta Genomics. "Through collaborations with strategic partners in the plant biotech industry, we intend to develop novel solutions using the unique potential microRNAs hold."

About microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are naturally occurring, short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in plants, humans, and have been recently discovered in algae. The ability to selectively regulate gene expression through microRNAs could provide the means to enhance a wide range of plant and algal characteristics which are of high value to the plant biotech industry.

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About Rosetta Genomics Ltd
Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leader in the field of microRNAs. Founded in 2000, the company's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong IP position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications. The first microRNA diagnostic test applying Rosetta Genomics' technology has been approved for clinical use by the State of New York, and the company expects it will be launched by licensed clinical laboratories in the United States in 2008.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to: the potential to use microRNA-based molecular breeding to develop algal strains and non-food crops for improved biofuel production; the receipt of additional financing when certain milestones have been met and the role of microRNAs in plant and algal physiology and development constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the risks more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Rosetta's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosetta's views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rosetta does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.

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