Gene expression analysis

Genefficiency Gene Expression Services utilise microarrays to deliver robust and reliable gene expression analysis for a variety of applications, including whole transcriptome studies, highly focused studies that concentrate on a few thousand transcripts, and alternatively spliced transcripts. Choose from pre-designed or custom designed arrays plus benefit from our bespoke data analysis services.

Genefficiency Gene Expression Services:

• Accurate simultaneous expression analysis of the whole transciptome
• Flexible, tailor-made solutions for any project
• Cost-effective analysis using off-the-shelf catalogue or custom arrays
• Exceptional study design, data analysis options and support
• Peace of mind with complete sample tracking and quality assurance
• Rapid delivery of high-quality results using automated sample processing

The role of gene expression in health and disease

Gene expression studies allow the study of genes and their associated function. Through advances in high-throughput technologies and bioinformatics, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of diseases is ever expanding. Microarray-based gene expression analysis enables the measurement of the whole transcriptome in a single RNA sample, meaning that it is now possible to investigate gene transcription on a genome-wide basis across a variety of model systems. This, in turn, is leading to advances in drug development, immunotherapeutics, and targeted gene therapy.

Superior performance in gene expression

Genefficiency Gene Expression Services are ideal for molecular genetic studies of complex diseases.

Genefficiency Services use the Agilent platform and arrays. High-quality 60mer probes increase signal-to-noise ratios due to their high sensitivity. Their broad linear dynamic range allows identification and characterisation of both high- and low-abundance transcripts. In addition, the procedure requires as little as 25 ng of total RNA — maximising your limited samples.

Genefficiency Gene Expression Services also offers the flexibility of single- or dual-colour experimental design. One-colour analysis is usually used for high-throughput sample scanning and allows for more flexible data analysis, while two-colour analysis is best for obtaining quantitative results, especially when performing experiments with a near reference sample.

Spike-in controls and comprehensive quality control measures ensure high-quality, consistent data providing confidence in results.

Cost-effective analysis using catalogue or custom arrays

Genefficiency Gene Expression Services allow you to perform in-depth analysis of specific regions of interest at your chosen resolution. Pre-designed catalogue arrays are available (Table 1), or you can explore these and other genomic regions using custom-designed arrays.

* For more detailed information about these arrays, please contact us.

The catalogue arrays can be ordered either as exon level or transcript level (mRNA) arrays. The mRNA arrays allow you to identify differences in transcript abundance of the whole trancriptome  on a single array. Exon arrays give higher resolution analysis of transcript levels down to individual exons potentially allowing identification of novel transcripts as well as differences in transcript and exon level transcript abundance.

Alternatively, based on your input, our expert team will design your custom array in any format required. We can design arrays against any fully or partially sequenced genome, as well as against sequencing data. All probes are in-silico optimised and we also offer empirical validation of the entire array content, to ensure optimal performance. Our team will guide you in all aspects of experimental design including the array format to choose; multiple arrays on a single slide can reduce costs and improve consistency. Depending on your desired level of focus you can opt for 1, 2, 4, or 8 arrays per slide for maximum flexibility (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Flexible custom array formats to suit all requirements.

Exceptional study design and support with our experienced team

Our experienced multi-disciplinary team provide a full range of expert consultation and support services to ensure you receive the highest quality data. We can advise you on all aspects of your experimental design, including sample preparation (e.g. optimal nucleic acid extraction) and custom array design, if required. In addition, through our dedicated bioinformatics team, we offer bespoke data analysis options from simple data transfer to more demanding pathway analysis and statistics.

Figure 2. Bespoke experimental design and reporting. Genefficiency Services are tailored to your precise requirements, ensuring maximal data quality from your samples.

Personalised data analysis

Data analysis can be specifically tailored to your needs. We offer a range of options: from comprehensive QC checks and data normalisation to cluster analysis, statistical analysis and pathway annotation. For best results, we encourage you to discuss your data analysis requirements with us as part of the study design. This approach ensures that the experimental design and, in particular, the sample numbers and the sample pairing fully support the desired analysis.

Peace of mind with complete sample tracking and quality assurance

Your samples are valuable; therefore we perform rigorous quality control (QC) and reporting strategies — from sample right through to result utilising our bespoke LIMS system. In addition, OGT records full details of all reagents, consumables and equipment used allowing a 360° audit trail.

Rapid delivery of high-quality results using automated sample processing

We have a proven track record in microarray technology and services. As the world’s first Agilent High-Throughput Certified Service Provider, we combine our expertise in microarrays with Agilent’s microarray platform.

We offer a comprehensive, flexible, high-throughput microarray service for projects ranging from 1 to 1,000s of samples. State-of-the-art robotics, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and integrated quality controls — including full ozone monitoring and control — are combined with industry-leading microarray platforms, to ensure your project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art laboratories are based in Oxford, UK. We work under an ISO9001:2008 and ISO27001:2005 certified management system.

Links

• Contact us to discuss your project requirements
• Microarray training courses available — contact us for information