Cellecta Inc. Unveils Innovative Blood Microsampling Assay for Gene Profiling

Cellecta, Inc., an innovator in genomic solutions, has introduced the DriverMap™ EXP Human Genome-Wide 19K Dried Blood Microsample Profiling kit. This advanced assay achieves the remarkable feat of profiling a staggering 19,000 human protein-coding genes using merely 30 microliters of dried whole blood. This approach not only conveys an unprecedented convenience but also boasts a level of accuracy and sensitivity that can transform the landscape of clinical research.

Simplified Blood Collection for Enhanced Research

At the heart of this innovation is the seamless integration of at-home finger-prick blood collection and the ultra-sensitive DriverMap™ technology. This combination empowers researchers to explore clinically relevant transcriptome biomarkers with ease, breaking previous limitations in blood sampling techniques. The use of Neoteryx VAMS microsamplers, which are treated with GenTegraRNA-NEO solution, ensures that samples are collected and stabilized effectively, promoting reliability and repeatability in results.

Overcoming Challenges in Gene Expression Profiling

Traditionally, challenges stemmed from the instability of RNA in standard blood samples and the substantial volume required for conventional methods like RNA-Seq. The new assay utilizes multiplex RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods that allow researchers to derive rich data sets from small, remotely collected blood samples. This shift in methodology not only reduces the sample volume but also enables extensive and effective gene expression analysis, which was previously unachievable.

Streamlined Workflow and Assay Utilization

Cellecta’s profiling assay streamlines the workflow to a single-day process. The steps include: 1. Blood collection via fingertip puncture, 2. RNA extraction from the VAMS tips using a specific buffer solution, 3. Preparation for sequencing through mRNA hybridization, cDNA synthesis, primer extension, and PCR, leading finally to NGS library preparation and sequencing. Data processing is facilitated using open-source tools, ensuring that researchers can analyze gene counts and expression levels efficiently.

Alex Chenchik, Ph.D., Cellecta's president and chief scientific officer, commented on the breakthrough: _"Utilizing dried blood microsamples for the DriverMap EXP profiling assay has proven just as effective as using standard blood volumes in capturing differential expression data across thousands of genes. This significant advancement positions our assay for expansive applications in research, particularly in studies aimed at discovering and validating transcriptome biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.”_

Product Availability and Academic Affiliation

The DriverMap™ EXP Dried Blood Microsample Profiling kit is now available in configurations for either 24 or 96 samples, catering to varying research needs. This comprehensive kit is fitted with gene-specific primers, positive control RNAs, and all necessary reagents to facilitate profiling and analysis on Illumina sequencers. Cellecta, founded in 2006 and based in Mountain View, California, has a longstanding reputation in genomic product provision and has supported leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions worldwide.

In summary, Cellecta, Inc.'s new DriverMap™ assay heralds a new era in gene profiling, greatly enhancing access to genetic research and biomarker discovery while simplifying the process for researchers worldwide. By enabling effective gene expression analysis from microsamples, it lays the groundwork for future advancements in genomics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

For additional information and purchasing details, visit Cellecta’s official website.