OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the ability of the Mindera Health DBP to extract actionable 
quantities of mRNA from lesional skin of psoriasis patients, and explore the  
body-site dependence of this method.

METHODS
Using the DBP, a total of 416 transcriptomes were collected from 24 di!erent 
body areas; each transcriptome was comprised of ~7,000 biomarkers. Samples 
were collected from research sites (N=15) under an IRB-approved protocol. 
After collection, samples were placed in a storage bu!er between 2–8˚C for 
transport and processing. 
Once received, next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed according 
to standard procedures. Measurements were made of the gene detection rate 
and mRNA yield. Additionally, a subset of samples was analyzed at various time 
points after sample collection (1-10 days) to determine mRNA stability during 
storage and transport.

FIGURE 1. Dermal Biomarker Patch workflow. 

 

FIGURE 2. (A) Graphical depiction of 
DBP micro-projections. These projections 
are chemically modified to specifically 
bind to mRNA in the skin. (B) En face 
histology of DBP application. To assess 
the depth of penetration by the DBP, ex 
vivo skin samples were sliced en face and 
resulting puncture sites were quantified. 
On average, >90% of the DBP projections 
penetrated 350-400 µm into the skin.

RESULTS
FIGURE 3. Gene detection rates from various 
body sites (N = 416). The gene detection rate 
ranged from 1.1% to 76.2%. The average gene 
detection rate was 43.3%. Based on a "20% 
gene detection rate acceptance criterion, >96% 
of the samples passed quality control metrics. 
Statistical analysis of the data set demonstrated 
no statistically significant di!erence observed 
between body sites (ANOVA, p=0.342), in 
contrast to previously published data using stratum 
corneum tape stripping.*

 
FIGURE 4. Yield of mRNA extracted from  

DBPs (N=412). The acceptance level for minimum 
concentration was determined to be 2-5 ng of amplified 

RNA at a concentration of 0.2 ng/µL. The yields of 
amplified mRNA ranged from 12–2,240 ng with an 
average yield of 360 ng, >100-times larger than the 

published average yields from stratum corneum  
tape stripping.* All samples passed the acceptance  

criterion of >4 ng and yielded acceptable results in 
downstream sequencing.

 

FIGURE 5. Influence of time between 
collection and processing on quality of 
DBP RNA-Seq data. A subset of 373 
psoriasis skin samples was collected from 
research sites, stored in storage bu!er at 
2–8˚C, and transported in an insulated 
shipper system at 2–8˚C overnight for 
downstream analysis. To substantiate 
mRNA stability, the gene detection rates 
were determined for samples stored from 
1 day to 10+ days. A total of 94.7% of the 
samples exceeded the QC threshold of 
20% gene detection.

SYNOPSIS
The Dermal Biomarker Patch (DBP) platform e#ciently captures transcriptomes of >7,000 biomarkers from the lesional skin of psoriasis 
patients in su#cient quantities for next-generation sequencing protocols. There was no significant body-site variation observed, in contrast 
to stratum corneum tape stripping.* This platform makes precision medicine in dermatology a reality. It provides a powerful tool for 
doctors, researchers, and patients to better understand the skin.

Funding for this project was provided by Mindera Health.
*  Wong R, Tran V, Talwalker S, Benson NR. Analysis of RNA recovery and gene expression in the epidermis using non-invasive tape stripping. J Dermatol Sci. 2006, 44(2):81-92.

A DERMAL BIOMARKER PATCH DISPLAYS  
EXCELLENT ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE AND 

OUTPERFORMS TAPE STRIPPING IN PSORIATIC SKIN

A B

Tobin J. Dickerson, PhD, Stephen Boyd, BS, Eric Andrade, BS, Christian Abaya, BS, Yipeng Wang, MD, PhD, and Byung-In Lee, PhD
Mindera Health, 5795 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123

Amplified mRNA Yield from DBP

CONCLUSION
The Mindera Health Dermal Biomarker Patch platform has been proven to 
reliably extract the skin transcriptome in a minimally invasive manner.  
Success in psoriasis patients includes:
•   highly reproducible e#ciency of extraction
•  excellent mRNA yields suitable for RNA-Seq protocols 
•   >96% of samples passing quality control metrics
•   no body-site bias in transcriptome extraction