NanoString
nCounter
Technology

NanoString technology provides a unique way to quickly analyze several hundred distinct gene or protein targets simultaneously using barcoded counting. For pre-clinical and clinical studies that need highly multiplexed, quantitative gene expression data, NanoString assays can provide rich and useful biomarker data. In addition, NanoString gene expression technology is compatible with low abundance samples like cell-free DNA from liquid biopsies, and low-quality samples such as legacy and FFPE specimens.

Precision’s scientific experts can recommend a validated panel or other approach to suit your study, and can perform NanoString assays as either an individual service, or as part of a comprehensive therapeutic development package including biomarker assays and clinical trials.

NanoString technology advantages and applications

Advantages of NanoString gene expression assays
  • Multiplex up to 800 distinct genes
  • Directly detect RNA for accurate quantitation
  • Work with old or poor-quality samples, such as FFPE tissue
  • Work with low-abundance samples such as cfDNA from liquid biopsies
  • Can utilize pre-designed panels of 770 genes (these panels can be customized with an additional 30 genes)
    • PanCancer Pathways Panel
    • PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel
    • PanCancer Progression Panel
    • PanCancer IO360™ Gene Expression Panel
Tumor analysis and immune profiling using NanoString technology

By analyzing up to 800 genes (770 standard and up to 30 customized target genes of interest), we can monitor checkpoint inhibitor status and profile the body’s immune response, determining hot/cold tumor status.

Precision specializes in using these and other custom panels to support oncology therapeutic development, as well as to monitor immune status to support development of autoimmune indication therapies.

Example uses of NanoString nCounter in clinical development

Autoimmune: Phase 2b clinical study in atopic dermatitis
  • Antibody therapy targeting effector and memory immune responses
  • Precision recommended the PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel in conjunction with a custom panel of 14 genes
  • Result: Determined 4 biomarker key endpoints correlating with patient response
Oncology: Phase 1/2 clinical trial to determine method of action
  • Therapy to target patients with metastatic solid tumor
  • Precision recommended the PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel to analyze 770 genes from 24 different immune cell types, common checkpoint inhibitors, and genes covering both adaptive and innate immune response
Oncology: Phase 1/2 trial in solid tumors
  • Precision recommended an nCounter Copy Number Variation CodeSet to determine gene copy number in 8 targeted genes in biopsy samples

Learn more about our Genomics Solutions:

The Precision advantage: integrating biomarker and clinical trial data

To help researchers understand and interpret biomarker assay data in the context of other assays as well as the clinical trial data, Precision provides the option of managing and analyzing data using our proprietary QuartzBio® Translational Informatics platform.

Learn more about the computational biology, informatics, and sample inventory management capabilities of QuartzBio®.

Global reach, multi-site support

Our NanoString assay services support preclinical and clinical research, including multi-site studies, conducted anywhere in the world.

Working with Precision

Precision’s specialty lab scientists take a collaborative and consultative approach to projects and can provide recommendations on biomarker assay strategies and implementation. Services can be provided individually or as part of a comprehensive therapeutic development package including biomarker assays and clinical trials.

Related services

Next Generation Sequencing

We offer NGS services including RNA-seq, whole exome sequencing, and targeted DNA/RNA sequencing services. NGS can be especially powerful when paired with our liquid biopsy technology, ApoStream.

Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR)

Droplet Digital PCR is especially well suited for studies where absolute quantification at low concentrations is necessary. Example uses are to detect cell-free DNA in liquid biopsy, or to measure CAR-T biodistribution.

Fluoresence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH) / ISH

FISH and ISH are excellent tools for adding spatial context to genomic analysis. We specialize in developing multiplex FISH/ISH assays to detect abnormalities in a range of tissues, including hematological and solid organ tumors.

Discuss your NanoString assay project requirements

Precision can work with you to select the most appropriate genomics platforms to achieve your project’s goals, providing comprehensive genomic characterization of any tissue or cell type.

Discuss your NanoString assay project requirements

Precision can work with you to select the most appropriate genomics platforms to achieve your project’s goals, providing comprehensive genomic characterization of any tissue or cell type.

Explore other areas of expertise