Life Technologies Ion AmpliSeq Transcriptome Solution

Translational researchers who previously could not obtain global gene expression profiles from biobank samples due to limited amounts of tissue now have access to a wealth of valuable RNA data with the launch of the Ion AmpliSeq Transcriptome Solution for the Ion Proton System. The ability to mine many years’ worth of samples for critical information is expected to provide insights into cancer research for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic options.

The product is able to draw gene expression profiles from just 10 ng of RNA and it is compatible with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. The solution also provides a fast workflow without the sample manipulation required for microarrays or analytical complexity normally associated with whole transcriptome RNA sequencing.

The product is designed with simplicity and flexibility in mind. Differential expression profiles are generated through a push-button analysis application within Ion Torrent Suite Software. After primary analysis, current microarray and next-generation sequencing users are able to conveniently export data into their existing downstream analysis software app. Throughput can be expanded or decreased from the recommended eight samples per PI chip, depending on the immediate need. This eliminates the need to wait weeks to batch samples for a single run.