BioTek: Biomarker Assays

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- Rapid Cell Signaling
  G-protein coupled, seven-transmembrane (7-TM) receptors (GPCRs) represent large, diverse gene families found in fungi, plants and animals. The GPCR family of receptors is involved primarily with internalizing extracellular environmental signals via interaction with intracellular G-proteins. GPCR ligands and modulators range from peptide and non-peptide molecules to chemokines, nucleosides, growth factors and light.
- Stem Cell Research
  Research into the reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells received the Nobel Prize in 2012. The long term importance of this research resides in the use of stem cells for regenerative therapies; for the short term, however these cells represent a potential unlimited source of highly physiologically relevant cells, akin to human primary cells, that can be used as drug discovery reagents.
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HCT116 Negative Control 20x Zoom

Molecular biomarkers are biomolecules indicative of disease possibility, presence and prognosis. In most cases, these are variations in our genes (DNA) and how they are transcribed or expressed (mRNA or proteins). Researchers are developing biomarkers for myriad disease states, including all forms of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few.

Quantitative determination of biomarkers in cells can be performed using either conventional microplate reader optics or digital widefield microscopy. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization using fluorescence microscopy can be performed to identify gene variants and also quantify gene transcription; while microplate readers equipped with numerous detection modes are well equipped to quantify protein biomarkers using sandwich immunoassay technologies. Assays of this type are commonly run in higher density microplates, such as 96 or 384-well formats. Furthermore, the biomarker assay workflow can benefit from automated liquid handing for sample preparation to reagent addition.

BioTek has developed a number of application notes describing molecular biomarker assays using its line of liquid handling, detection, and imaging instrumentation.

Application Notes:

Learn more about Biomarker Assays – see our Applications and technical documentation in Resources.

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