The MSI approach to proteomics
The sequencing of the human genome has led to the
identification of thousands of genes and proteins. Unlocking the potential
value of these data depends upon defining the role genes and proteins
play in disease and drug response. To date this process has been expensive,
difficult and often constrains researchers to studying one protein at
a time.
The MSI approach to proteomics addresses these shortcomings with a systematic,
highly parallel approach that enables researchers to study the expression
of numerous proteins simultaneously.
The MSI chip-based proteomics discovery platform, combined with sophisticated
bioinformatics, offers researchers a powerful new way to identify new
individual and multiplexed sets of biomarkers.
This approach enables new insights into the biology underlying disease
and drug response.
RCATTM is uniquely able to amplify signals tethered to proteins,
even low abundance proteins, with the thorough coverage required by today’s
drug discovery and development.
Researchers now have an efficient approach to several of today’s bottlenecks
in drug discovery and development:
- Disease classification
- Drug triage
- Patient stratification
- Drug differentiation
Advantages of RCAT
for proteomics
Expanded coverage
Rather than studying only one protein at a time as in traditional assays,
RCATTM enables researchers to study the expression of numerous
biologically important proteins simultaneously. This expanded coverage
promotes a deeper understanding of the biology underlying disease and
drug response.
Enhanced sensitivity
Enhanced sensitivity offers scientists an unprecedented look at low-abundance
proteins and the ability to evaluate the impact that subtle changes in
protein expression will have on biology.
Large dynamic range
RCAT assays routinely exhibit ~3 logs of dynamic range. While conventional
assays are limited in their ability to accurately quantify a particular
protein in a sample, particularly if the amount differs significantly
between samples, the expanded dynamic range of RCAT increases the understanding
of protein expression differences in disease and drug response.
Fast turnaround
MSI proteomics chips used in RCAT assays have a sample-to-data collection
turnaround time of less than four hours. This rapid turnaround facilitates
high throughput and enables researchers to conduct short-time course studies
and studies requiring iterative sample collection.
Data reproducibility
Leading the way in bioscience, the proteomics chips developed by MSI have
routinely shown coefficients of variation (CVs) of less than 20%. Low
CVs are essential when the goal is to perform large experiments over time
and to generate meaningful, reproducible results.
Hardware and software advantages
RCAT works with a broad range of established instrument platforms. Studies
using MSI proteomics chips can be conducted on off-the-shelf robots and
array readers, taking full advantage of an installed equipment base. Data
collection and analysis are done with a suite of proprietary software.
Small samples and low reagent requirement
Multiplexing and high sensitivity allow the evaluation of more proteins
per unit of sample, reduced reagent usage, and reduced costs. This capability
allows researchers to obtain a more comprehensive view of underling biology
even when valuable sample is scarce.
Lower overall costs
The increased sensitivity of RCAT along with an expanded dynamic range
and multiplexing result in higher throughput, higher quality results,
and faster results with the use of smaller sample volumes and less reagent.
These measures together result in lower overall discovery and development
costs.
Quantification
Built-in calibration capability allows researchers to quantify expression
levels and, in turn, to better assess biological relevance.
Sampling-specific software flexibility
MSI proteomics chips work equally well with serum, plasma, and supernatant,
giving researchers the flexibility of choosing an assay format most appropriate
for their specific research goals.