Abstract
Beckman Coulter Genomics
RNA-Seq Service
High-throughput end-to-end RNA-Seq Service from Beckman Coulter Genomics includes customized project design, automated Illumina TruSeq RNA-Seq library construction, and flexible, multiplexed sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Downstream bioinformatics analysis options include primary data analysis, differential gene expression, splice variant analysis, gene fusion identification, and rare transcript identification.
The new automated library construction process uses Illumina TruSeq RNA sample preparation kits in conjunction with Beckman Coulter Life Sciences’ Biomek liquid-handling platforms. Libraries show consistent size distribution and sequencing data are reproducible, showing good correlation with the published industry standard.
Total RNA from multiple species—including mammalian, plant, and yeast samples—has been validated using the automated process. The scalable, high-throughput service allows processing from one to hundreds of samples without compromising quality.
Cellectricon
Discovery Services
This new division offers phenotypic screening support to accelerate drug discovery and cell-based assay research into cytoskeletal disturbances—especially for chronic pain. Cellectricon’s Discovery Services team provides fully collaborative support, tailored to each individual study. The entire services process is highly interactive and guarantees all partners are well informed via frequent reports on assay performance, observations, and progress to ensure project goals are fully realized. According to Cellectricon, its Cellaxess Elektra discovery platform is considered ideal for compound profiling in excitable primary cells and native tissue using transfection and specific electric field stimulation.
Oxford Gene Technology
Familial Sequencing and Analysis Service
Extending OGT’s whole-exome sequencing services, this new service delivers multigenome analysis of related samples for the detection of causative, de novo, and disease susceptibility mutations. With a fully optimized workflow, OGT offers the entire targeted next-generation sequencing pipeline, from project design to end-point mutation discovery and extensive variant annotation. According to OGT, it delivers all results in a user-friendly report that allows users to rapidly identify meaningful results without additional bioinformatics resources.
More: www.ogt.com
Plexpress
Compliant ADME-Tox Screening Services for CROs
Following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance suggesting measurement of CYP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for ADME-Tox studies, as well as European Medicines Agency final guidelines stating that mRNA analysis should be used in drug interaction studies to increase the sensitivity of assays, Plexpress now offers two ADME-Tox screening services for contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. For the early screening of compounds of interest, the TRACPACK CYP+ mRNA Screening Service identifies unsuitable compounds, allowing them to “fail early” before further time and money are invested. This service specifically analyzes mRNA expression of the key ADME-Tox markers in a time- and cost-effective manner. Plexpress’ TRACPACK INDUCTION is for the in-depth screening of high-priority drug candidates, generating data that completely fulfill global guidelines. TRACPACK INDUCTION measures both mRNA expression and enzyme activity, using hepatocytes from three different donors. TRAC’s multiplexing with high sample throughput fills the gap between microarrays and traditional targeted approaches such as quantitative PCR, offering time, cost, and accuracy benefits to alternative methods.
According to Plexpress, its Partner Program is an outsourced service that is ideal for small to medium throughput, and the Plexpress Licensing Program is suited to a higher throughput with TRAC assays undertaken in house by CROs.
More: www.plexpress.com
ADME-Tox Service for Canine Preclinical Drug Candidate Screening
In collaboration with Admescope, the new TRACKPACK DOG INDUCTION screening service by Plexpress provides canine cytochrome P450 (CYP) mRNA analysis using primary dog hepatocytes followed by CYP enzyme activity measurements. Hepatocytes from three separate donors are used, generating CYP mRNA expression and protein activity data produced in line with the FDA recommendations for human hepatocytes.
The validated Dog ADME-Tox mRNA panel from Plexpress includes all relevant CYP targets and reference genes, ready to analyze in a single well for high-throughput multiplexing. Additional genes can also be included. According to Plexpress, the combination of high sample throughput with gene multiplexing increases assay speed while minimizing technical variation. In addition to mRNA analysis, TRACKPACK DOG INDUCTION also offers subsequent CYP activity measurements thanks to Plexpress’ collaboration with Admescope. To investigate metabolites, study compounds are exposed for 72 h, after which substrates for CYP-specific model reactions are added and the samples analyzed.
TRACPACK DOG INDUCTION provides a single, integrated service for all canine CYP induction analysis, ensuring consistent and reliable data. All TRACPACK results are delivered electronically in an easy-to-use, summarized report for quick and easy data analysis.
More: www.plexpress.com
Porvair Sciences
Microplate Barcoding Service
High-quality barcode labels now can be affixed to any side of a Porvair 24-, 48-, 96- or 384-well microplate to assist in ensuring sample traceability. Porvair’s barcoding services offer a nonrepeatable barcode sequence to prevent label duplication. The barcode labels have been tested for optimal readability as well as solvent resistance and prolonged exposure to temperatures ranging from −80 °C to +80 °C.
Flexible, customizable barcoding options include CODE 39 (3 of 9), CODE 128, 12/5, and PDF417 symbologies, with or without human-readable text and a choice of label position on the microplate. Advice on which barcode symbology is best for your application is available from Porvair’s technical support team. Porvair microplates are precisely manufactured to applicable ANSI/SLAS dimensions.
More: www.porvair-sciences.com
Tecan
Tecan Academy On-Demand Web-Based Training
Tecan has launched a new online training tool—the Tecan Academy—that makes it easier than ever for customers to optimize their instrument use. Convenient and affordable, this web-based portal is offered as a bridge between an initial introduction in the laboratory and in-depth classroom training. Each Training and Certification module is divided into individual chapters, with clearly defined learning objectives, and covers basic knowledge for any operator. It offers a choice of interactive content, including videos, 3D graphics, and software walkthroughs. Each module finishes with a test and provides an online certificate of competence. Individual users can register for the Tecan Academy using a unique Access Key that is valid for 1 year, providing unlimited access to an evolving library of content.
More: www.tecan.com/academy