Gene Expression Profiling Services


Asuragen Services gene expression profiling services range from whole-genome profiling on many different organisms, to ultra-sensitive technologies for detection of single genes. Here, we describe elements common to our gene expression services, which demonstrate our commitment to data quality and turn-around time.

Services Available
Method and Staff Qualification
Quality Control
Sample Handling and Processing
Turn-around Time
Additional Services Available
Requirements for Gene Expression Profiling Services
ENCOMPASS™ Services for FFPE

Services Available

  • Whole Genome
    • Affymetrix: Standard 3′ expression, low-mass 3′ expression, and whole transcriptome analysis (WTA) on a wide variety of arrays
    • Illumina: Standard 3′ expression on a variety of arrays and DASL® FFPE profiling

  • Single gene or gene panels (signature panels are fixed, and we offer these and customizable “arrays”)

Method and Staff Qualification

The Asuragen Services team has been profiling RNA since the advent of modern gene expression profiling methods in the mid-1990s.  We have experience with a wide range of sample types, labeling methods, hybridization and washing protocols, scanning platforms, normalization schemes, and data analysis.  Any new profiling technology or new operator at Asuragen Services must demonstrate quality performance based on objective, quantitative measures before either is put in service for client GLP projects.  In the case of gene expression profiling, Asuragen measures the following parameters against established benchmarks prior to release of a new GLP protocol:


  • Sensitivity
  • Specificity
  • Linear range, dynamic range, or range of quantitation
  • Reproducibility

When a new team member joins the analysis team, they are provided hands-on training with Asuragen-provided test materials. After their training period, data from a qualification set of samples is evaluated on each operator before they are considered “qualified” and allowed to process client samples. Operator metrics are tracked daily, with appropriate contingencies in the event QC metrics fall below specified levels. We are proud of our team members and they are proud of the work they do on your studies.


Quality Control

No matter how robust the downstream processes, good data is dependent on sample quality; consequently, accurate measurement of sample quality is essential before deciding if a sample merits further analysis. All samples prepared by Asuragen Services are routinely qualified by spectrophotometry with the NanoDrop spectrophotometer and the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. Due to the degraded nature of RNA from FFPE tissues, special quality control measurements are used in place of the Bioanalyzer.


Regardless of downstream application, detailed QC reports including nucleic acid concentration, RNA integrity (RIN) electropherograms where applicable, and purity are provided on each sample.  For FFPE samples, concentration and QC pass/fail information is provided.  If a sample does not pass a recommended QC metric for analysis, you will be contacted promptly to discuss possible solutions.  These may include replacing the sample or re-isolating the RNA, excluding the sample from further analysis, or proceeding at-risk.


Yield:

RNA yield is primarily dependent on the tissue type and mass (or volume) but is often affected by disease status, chemical treatment, media, preservatives, and tissue handling.

 
Integrity:

RNA integrity is dependent on a wide range of factors in the precise handling of biological materials from collection to RNA isolation. Elimination of the activity of endogenous endo- or exo-nucleases is vital to preserving RNA integrity and typically depends on treatment with proper preservative or freezing upon tissue collection.

Asuragen’s rigorous procedures enable Asuragen to be the only service provider to offer a Data Quality Guarantee:

  • If, for any reason, a qualified sample does not pass our process control specifications, we will re-run the sample at no additional charge.

Read more about our commitment to the best possible data quality, or read about our contributions to in-process controls and standardization.


Sample Handling and Processing

All samples are received and entered into the analysis queue under a controlled SOP to confirm package/sample integrity, appropriate shipping conditions (frozen samples/dry ice, as appropriate), and individual confirmation of sample identity against the shipping manifest and electronic sample submission form and instructions.


Turn-around Time

Typical turn-around time for a 50-sample project is approximately one week. If you have a critical time requirement, we can often meet your need for no additional charge. Read more about our commitment to prompt turn-around times.


Additional Services Available


Requirements for Gene Expression Profiling Services

Sample Input Requirements for the services listed above are found in the Sample Submission Form and Shipping Instructions.