Pixelgen Technologies Introduces Proximity Network Assay for Protein Interactomics at Single Cell Level
In a groundbreaking move, Pixelgen Technologies has unveiled its latest advancement in cellular biology with the introduction of the Proximity Network Assay, aimed at analyzing protein interactomics at an unprecedented level of detail. Based in both Stockholm, Sweden, and Marco Island, Florida, the company is focusing on understanding the intricate dynamics of protein interactions within single cells, a realm that has long been limited by technological constraints.
The newly launched Pixelgen Proxiome Kit represents an evolution in research methodology, allowing scientists to delve deeper into the protein networks that govern essential cellular functions. This innovative kit is part of Pixelgen's broader product line and is designed to deliver high-resolution spatial analysis of immune cell proteins, addressing the urgent need for more effective tools in modern omics-scale studies.
As Simon Fredriksson, CEO and co-founder of Pixelgen Technologies, remarked, "Dynamic protein interactions have historically been understudied due to limitations of existing tools. Our latest innovation aims to fill this gap and unlock new possibilities in cancer research, hematology, immunology, and cell therapy. Future product lines will also utilize this technology to explore cellular communication in immune synapses and intracellular signaling pathways on both single-cell and tissue levels."
Understanding proteins at this granular level is essential, as they rarely function in isolation. Instead, they form complex networks that dictate vital biological processes, such as signal transduction, cellular migration, metabolism, gene regulation, and immune responses. The Proximity Network Assay, central to the Proxiome Kit, enables researchers to visualize and examine these protein interactions in a way that was previously unattainable.
The Pixelgen Proxiome Kit is particularly noteworthy for its unique approach to spatial analysis. By employing a DNA-based chemistry technique, the kit assigns precise spatial positions to targets and their neighboring proteins within single cells, achieving an average resolution of 50 nanometers. This technique features a validated protein panel comprising 155 immune cell surface protein targets, enabling the creation of highly detailed cellular maps with the potential to investigate up to 50,000 proteins per cell.
Moreover, the Proxiome Kit is designed for ease of use. It operates without requiring specialized instruments, making it as accessible as conventional sample preparation kits for next-generation sequencing. It accommodates various cell types, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), bone marrow, cell lines, and dissociated organoids, significantly broadening its applicability in research settings.
"Having had the opportunity to utilize the Pixelgen Proxiome Kit, I experienced firsthand the transformative insights it offers in understanding immune cell protein networks," shared Christopher Mason, a renowned geneticist.
The scientific underpinnings of the Proximity Network Assay incorporate innovative methods such as DNA barcoded antibodies, rolling circle amplification, and gap-fill ligation reactions to create connections between adjacent proteins. This results in a comprehensive nanoscale protein proximity network for each cell, which can then be quantitatively analyzed using spatial statistics to reveal the organization of protein interactomes and cell-cell complexes.
As Pixelgen Technologies continues to pave the way in cell analysis and proteomics technology, it remains committed to delivering groundbreaking tools for researchers striving to unlock the complexities of cell biology. Founded in 2020 by a team of dedicated innovators and entrepreneurs, Pixelgen's advancements hold the promise of propelling scientific discovery forward, particularly in the realms of immunology and cellular therapies.
In conclusion, Pixelgen Technologies is charting a new course in the field of cellular research with the launch of the Proxiome Kit, showcasing a major step forward in our understanding of protein interactions at the single-cell level. As this technology gains traction, it could well lead to revolutionary insights into disease mechanisms and treatment strategies, ultimately improving precision medicine for patients worldwide.