At Sampled, we specialize in providing high-quality NGS services to researchers across the globe. Our team of experts has extensive experience in designing experiments, optimizing protocols, and interpreting results, ensuring that the data generated is of high quality and relevance to the research question. In this article, we will explore 7 key benefits of outsourcing NGS services.

Access to Expertise

NGS is a highly specialized field where the technology is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest developments can be challenging. Here at Sampled, our highly skilled experts have years of experience in this field and have the necessary expertise and knowledge to deliver high quality and accurate results. Furthermore, our team stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field by working with sequencing partners closely. We will work with you to help design experiments, optimize protocols, and interpret your results if you require access to a Bioinformatics team. This expertise can help ensure that the data generated is of high quality and relevant to the researchers’ aims and objectives.

Cost-Effectiveness

The cost of setting up an in-house NGS facility can be prohibitive for many research organizations. Not only does it require the purchase of expensive equipment, but also ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and personnel costs. Outsourcing NGS services can be a cost-effective alternative. Sampled can provide customized service packages that fit within your budget, without compromising on quality or turnaround time. This means that sequencing costs can be reduced, allowing researchers to allocate more resources to other areas of their research.

High-Quality Data

The quality of the data generated by NGS can vary depending on several factors, including sample preparation, sequencing platform, and bioinformatics analysis. A specialized NGS provider, like Sampled, can ensure that each step of the process is optimized for quality. We use state-of-the-art equipment, standardized protocols, and rigorous quality control measures to ensure that the data generated is accurate and reliable.

Faster Turnaround Time

NGS can be a time-consuming process, with each step taking several days to weeks to complete. Outsourcing NGS services can help accelerate the research timeline. At Sampled our team of experts work quickly and efficiently, without compromising on quality. We can provide fast turnaround times, allowing researchers to get their results faster and move on to the next stage of their research. This can be critical in situations where time is of the essence, such as when studying outbreaks of diseases or if demand surges due to unforeseen circumstances.

Customized Service Packages

Every research project is unique, and NGS service providers should be able to provide customized service packages that meet the specific needs of each project. Sampled offers a wide range of services, from whole-genome sequencing to targeted sequencing to transcriptomics. This includes options such as the choice of the sequencing platform to be used, the number of reads, and the level of coverage. We can work with researchers to design experiments that fit their research question and budget. We also provide flexible service options, such as pilot studies and data analysis only, to help researchers get the most out of your NGS data.

Reduced Risk of Errors

NGS involves multiple complex steps, from sample preparation to bioinformatics analysis, and each step has the potential for errors. Outsourcing NGS services to Sampled can help reduce the risk of errors. We have extensive experience in handling different types of samples, optimizing protocols, and troubleshooting technical issues. Moreover, we have stringent quality control measures in place to ensure that errors are identified and corrected.

Scalability

Research projects can vary in size and scope, and NGS service providers should be able to scale their services accordingly. Because we invest in multiple platforms, Sampled has the capacity to handle large-scale projects, with the ability to process thousands of samples per month. We can also work with researchers to develop customized workflows that can be scaled up or down depending on the project’s needs. Altogether, this means that researchers can scale their projects without having to invest in expensive equipment or hire additional staff.

What NGS Services Does Sampled Provide?

Sampled provides a wide range of NGS services using leading technologies such as Illumina, PacBio, and Twist Biosciences:

• Whole Genome Sequencing
• Whole Exome Sequencing
• Amplicon Sequencing
• Whole Transcriptome Sequencing
• mRNA Sequencing
• 10X Genomics Single Cell gene expression
• Storage and transportation of single cells
• Metagenomic Sequencing
• PacBio Long Read sequencing
• Custom panel design and sequencing

In conclusion, outsourcing NGS services to Sampled enables access to expertise, cost-effectiveness, high-quality data, faster turnaround times, customized service packages, reduced risk of errors, and scalability. Our team of experts can work with you to design experiments that fit your research question and budget and deliver high-quality results that help you to advance your research. Contact us today to learn more about our NGS services and how we can help you to achieve your research goals.

What is Long Read Sequencing?

Long read sequencing refers to a DNA sequencing technique that generates significantly longer DNA reads compared to traditional short read sequencing methods. The ability to read longer stretches of DNA has numerous benefits, including:

Unraveling Complex Genomic Regions

Long read sequencing is particularly advantageous in deciphering complex genomic regions, such as repetitive sequences or structural variations, where short read sequencing often falls short.

Facilitating De Novo Assembly

The reconstruction of a genome without a reference sequence is greatly improved with long read sequencing. This is especially valuable when studying non-model organisms or those with complex genomes.

Enhancing Transcriptome Analysis

Long read sequencing aids in the accurate identification of alternative splicing events and provides a more comprehensive view of the transcriptome, shedding light on the diversity of RNA isoforms.

What is HiFi Long Read Sequencing:

High Fidelity (HiFi) long read sequencing takes long read sequencing a step further by minimizing errors in the sequencing process. It achieves this by reducing the error rates associated with DNA sequencing, ensuring greater accuracy in the resulting genomic data. PacBio’s Revio is one example of a platform that performs HiFi long read sequencing offering high throughput, and ease of use to a foundation of long reads, exceptional accuracy, and direct methylation detection. The key benefits of HiFi long read sequencing include:

Precision in Variant Calling

HiFi long read sequencing is crucial for accurate identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic variations. This precision is especially valuable in clinical genomics and personalized medicine.

Improving Genome Annotation

Higher sequencing accuracy enhances the reliability of genome annotations, ensuring that researchers can confidently interpret and annotate genes, regulatory elements, and other genomic features.

Enabling Rare Variant Detection

The improved accuracy of HiFi long read sequencing allows for the detection of rare genetic variants that may have clinical implications, providing valuable insights into the genetic basis of diseases.

Advantages of Outsourcing High Fidelity Long Read Sequencing

Outsourcing HiFi long read sequencing to specialized service providers offers several advantages for researchers:

Expertise and Experience

Service providers such as Sampled have a team of experts with extensive experience in HiFi long read sequencing, ensuring reliable and high-quality results. Our expertise is at your disposal allowing you to save time and resources on optimization and training staff internally to setup long read sequencing projects.

Access to cutting edge platforms

Outsourcing allows researchers to access cutting-edge sequencing technologies and equipment without the need for significant capital investment, ensuring the use of the latest advancements in the field. Sampled are Certified Service Providers for PacBio and Illumina which allows us to provide high quality HiFi long read sequencing services to our clients since we work with and are trained by the manufacturers of these sequencing platforms.

Cost-Efficiency

By outsourcing, researchers can avoid the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining expensive sequencing equipment. This not only allows researchers to allocate resources more efficiently, focusing on data analysis and interpretation but also shifts capital expenditure to operational expenditure.

Scalability

At Sampled, we can scale to meet your needs based on the research project/s you are running, accommodating for variations in sample sizes and throughput requirements. This lets you focus on the research that matters most instead of shifting deadlines to accommodate the changing of samples that need to be sequenced. Including options for short read sequencing with platforms like the Illumina Novaseq X Series.

HiFi long read sequencing is transforming genomic research, enabling scientists to explore the intricacies of the genome with unprecedented accuracy. As outlined above, outsourcing HiFi long read sequencing to Sampled offers researchers a strategic and cost-effective approach to harnessing this powerful technique, allowing you to focus on the scientific discoveries that will shape the future of genomics.

Contact our team today to learn how we can support your research with our HiFi Long Read Sequencing capabilities.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how variation in certain genes correlates with the response of an individual to a particular drug or therapy. It involves the analysis of the genetic sequence of an individual to predict how they will respond to a compound. When a gene variant correlates with a particular drug response in a patient, there is the potential for making clinical decisions based on genetics by adjusting the dosage or selecting a different drug treatment. This potential allows for clinicians to make medical treatment personalized and therefore safer and more effective for patients.

PGx spans numerous applications in the medical field, such as drug development, personalized medicine, as well as disease diagnosis. It can be used by researchers and clinicians to optimize drug therapies to minimize potential side effects and increase drug efficacy. Moreover, it is utilized to help to identify individuals who may be at higher risk of adverse drug reactions, enabling clinicians to personalize drug treatment options.

Innovations in Pharmacogenomics

Historically, Sanger sequencing has been the gold standard for confirming genetic variants, however this method is time-consuming and is not suitable for large sample sizes. For this reason, microarray technology has become increasingly prevalent as an assay in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. Today, microarrays can identify tens of thousands of genes in thousands of samples per week with high-throughput workflows with the power to detect detect small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNV).

One such array, the Illumina Infinium Global Diversity Array with enhanced PGx content (GDA), has stood out from the crowd. The GDA has been described as the most comprehensive genotyping microarray on the market for pharmacogenomics research. with >1.9M markers, access to high-impact PGx genes, and optional reporting software.

Features of the Illumina Global Diversity assay with enhanced PGx content

This trusted Infinium assay has been run on millions of samples, including more than 5,000 here at Sampled. The assay provides¹:

• Over 44,000 genome-wide PGx markers spanning more than 2000 pharmacogenomic targets.
• >6000 variants from globally recognized PGx databases, including PharmGKB, CPIC, PharmVar, and ClinVar
• 100% coverage of priority level A and B CPIC genes2
• Accessibility of hard-to-discern PGx genes like CYP2D6, CYP2B6 and TPMT
• Over 13,000 more markers than existing Global Diversity Array
• Automated, scalable workflow with 3-day turnaround time
• A targeted gene amplification (TGA) step for accurate genotyping of critical genes like CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and TPMT
• Accurate CNV calling

Furthermore, with the interpretation software, researchers can receive a report that contains metabolizer status and star allele callers. The GDA bead chip requires the Iscan system, a proven and versatile microarray scanner. The IScan system is designed for scalability and for high volume projects. The instrument’s throughput ranges between 1700 to more than 16,000 samples per week, depending on the BeadChip used. The use of the iScan system in GDA workflows enables customers to incorporate automated liquid handling and sample tracking, eliminating user to user variability by minimizing the number of manual interventions.

How a Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository can enhance Pharmacogenomics

Working with a Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository such as Sampled benefits pharmacogenomics researchers in several ways. Firstly, Sampled provides a centralized platform for collecting, storing, and analyzing genetic data from individuals worldwide. Our biorepository is equipped with sophisticated analytical tools and platforms that enable scientists to perform large-scale data analyses and identify drug-gene interactions. By storing and analyzing your samples within a centralized facility, researchers can ensure sample integrity as they no longer have to be shipped from various labs and storage facilities which also saves on transportation costs. Here are five more reasons to enhance your PGx research by outsourcing to Sampled.

1. Expertise: Outsourcing PGx to Sampled gives your group access to a team of highly skilled experts with a high level of knowledge in pharmacogenomics and a track record of performance. Our experts utilize the latest tools and technology such as Illumina’s  GDA and the IScan platform to provide accurate and reliable results. Sampled is a College of American Pathologists (CAP)- and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified Laboratory and has Research Use Only (RUO) and clinical PGx workflows in place.
2. Cost-Effective: Outsourcing pharmacogenomics can significantly reduce the overall cost of running your investigations. High throughput workflows for PGx research require major investments in infrastructure, technology, staff training and maintenance fees, which Sampled has already invested in so that you don’t have to.
3. Faster Turnaround Time: Setting up new technologies and optimizing platforms and workflows takes time. At Sampled we have the necessary expertise and resources to finish work quickly and efficiently, since our experts are highly skilled in this field. Providing faster turnaround times for Pharmacogenomic research that allows you to meet your deadlines.
4. Scalability: With an outside service provider taking care of all steps in the workflow, companies and organizations have more bandwidth to focus on their core business operations rather than dedicating time to running a lab for pharmacogenomics testing. Moreover, if you need to scale up/down your research, we can accept more/less samples in a given time frame without any disruption to you.

The use of expert service providers such as Sampled, for Pharmacogenomics testing presents several advantages, including efficiency, expertise, global reach, and cost-effectiveness. The rising demand for pharmacogenomics testing highlights the need for a specialized partner to handle research and diagnostic requirements. By outsourcing Pharmacogenomics testing, companies and organizations can take advantage of these benefits, streamline their operations, reduce costs, and focus on their core competencies.

References

1. Infinium Global Diversity Array with Enhanced PGx Webpage: https://www.illumina.com/products/by-type/microarray-kits/infinium-global-diversity-pgx.html

Since the first human genome was sequenced over two decades ago, DNA sequencing has progressed from researchers having to laboriously read each DNA letter individually. The development of high-throughput DNA sequencing has allowed for increased speed and accuracy in reading genetic information.

However, with this improvement in sequencing technology, two distinct approaches have emerged: long read sequencing and short read sequencing. These approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the differences between the two techniques, is essential to choose the optimal technique for specific applications.

What is short read sequencing?

Short-read sequencing, as the name implies, involves reading short fragments of DNA typically ranging from 50 to 300 base pairs, and can generate millions to billions of reads. The process involves breaking DNA into small pieces, attaching adapters to each end, and running these pieces through a sequencer.

This process amplifies the number of copies of each fragment, improving sequencing accuracy making it a powerful tool for generating genomic data. Through short read sequencing, DNA or RNA can be sequenced in less time and at a lower cost than traditional methods. This technology has helped to revolutionize biomedical research and has led to important discoveries in personalized medicine as well as studying disease and evolution.

Short read sequencing is employed in applications that involve counting the abundance of specific sequences, identifying variants within well-conserved sequences, or for profiling the expression of particular transcripts.

One of the key advantages of short read sequencing is that it provides high depth coverage, which means that researchers can generate a large number of reads that overlap with each other. By overlapping reads, researchers can identify similarities and/or differences and locate mutations that can be used to identify disease states or act as targets for drug discovery.

Another advantage is that short read sequences are less expensive to produce, which makes them ideal for large scale projects involving many samples.

Sampled is proud to be partnered with Illumina, who are the leading manufacturer of short read sequencers. For many years they have led the way in creating powerful tools for genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, variant detection, and targeted resequencing.

The NovaSeq 6000 platform offers Whole genome, whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing applications, scalable throughput and is employed by leading research centers around the globe. To learn more about how their short read sequencing technology could accelerate your research click here.

Short read sequencing is an effective tool, but there are some areas of research where it is not suitable. Since this technology cannot sequence long contiguous pieces of DNA due to the read length limitation mentioned earlier, it is not suitable for assembling entire genomes. This is where long read sequencing can help.

What is long read sequencing?

Long read sequencing, also known as third-generation sequencing, reads much longer stretches of DNA, ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of base pairs. These longer reads allow researchers to identify complex structural variations such as large insertions/deletions, inversions, repeats, duplications, and translocations. Long read sequencing technology can also be used to phase Small Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) into haplotypes, build scaffolds for de novo assembly and resolve splicing events in full length cDNA.

Although initially the technology was seen to have a lower yield and higher error rate, companies such as PacBio have since improved the chemistry on their instruments, enabling “HiFi sequencing” which uses circular consensus sequencing (CCS) to read long stretches of DNA accurately. Briefly, the CCS method allows DNA to pass through the zero-mode waveguide chip several times, generating highly accurate reads of at least 99.8%, similar to short read sequencing platforms.

Long read sequencing platforms such as those from PacBio can now sequence up to 25kb base pair sequences with an error rate closer to that seen in short read sequencing. Learn more about how our partnership with PacBio and how their Hi-Fi long-read sequencing platforms can accelerate your research here.

Long Read vs. Short Read – which to choose?

In summary, both short read sequencing and long read sequencing have their strengths and favour different applications. Short read sequencing can be faster, cheaper, and can generate high coverage; it is ideal for targeted resequencing, transcriptomics, and variant detection. Whereas long read sequencing can read contiguous stretches and handle complex regions of the genome; it is ideal for de novo genome assembly and structural variation detection. By understanding the differences between the two techniques, researchers can choose the appropriate sequencing method for their specific research needs.

If you wish to learn more about how outsourcing short and long read sequencing can save you on expenditure and accelerate your research, contact one of our experts today

Piscataway, NJ, July 11, 2023 – Sampled¹ today announced that it has been named a Certified Service Provider for PacBio, a leading developer of high-quality, highly accurate sequencing solutions, equipping Sampled to deliver the highest quality advanced sequencing technology services on PacBio’s technology.

To achieve this certification, providers must undergo a rigorous process including training on PacBio sample processing and data analysis workflows. Sampled has added long-read sequencing technologies to its already industry-leading, advanced integrated analytical-biorepository suite of capabilities to Store, Manage, Analyze, Research and Transport biosamples for its clients.

“We are very proud to have been named a Certified Service Provider for PacBio, one of the leading providers of sophisticated sequencing technologies,” stated Shareef Nahas, Ph.D., Sampled’s Chief Scientific Officer. “Through this partnership, we can provide our clients with some of the world’s most advanced technologies and capabilities, enabling them to make important breakthroughs in their discovery and development programs.”

“We are delighted to announce Sampled as a Certified Service Provider,” said Jeff Eidel, Chief Commercial Officer at PacBio. “The robust certification process requires companies to meet very strict training and quality standards. Sampled and PacBio are both dedicated to supporting the scientific community in their genomic research projects, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership as Sampled scales on Revio and adopts future technologies developed by PacBio.”

“At Sampled, we are always striving to innovate and bring the most cutting-edge services to our clients, so we are delighted to now offer the PacBio long-read sequencing technology,” said Robin Grimwood, Chief Executive Officer at Sampled. “Our thanks to the PacBio team for their partnership and collaboration as we work together for the benefit of our clients.”

About Sampled

Sampled is a next-generation laboratory that unlocks the valuable data in any biological sample. Through our integrated lab services, we can Store, Manage, Analyze, Research and Transport biological materials, offering partners a seamless solution for all research samples. Our vision is a world where we make it faster and easier for health innovators to improve human health, with a mission for Sampled Labs to be behind every transformative health innovation. Sampled is headquartered in Piscataway, N.J. with labs across the US and Europe and partner labs in the Netherlands, China and Australia.

Infinity BiologiX LLC, Roylance Stability Storage Limited and Roylance Scientific Limited are doing business as Sampled. For more information, please visit www.sampled.com

Across the globe researchers have been deciphering the genetic code to identify the sequences of nucleotides in the human genome that code for proteins. In many cases, they are attempting to identify and understand small nucleotide variants (SNVs) that lead to mutations and can cause disease. Although human DNA is comprised of over 3 billion base pairs, only 1% (30 million) of these base pairs make up protein-coding regions. These regions are referred to as exons, of which there are approximately 180,000 exons that comprise the human exome.

What are the benefits of Whole Exome Sequencing over other sequencing methods?

Unlike whole genome sequencing (WGS), which sequences the entire genomic content of a DNA sample, WES sequences the DNA that make up the exonic regions of the genome. This is often favorable for researchers who are only interested in the protein-coding regions of the genome because it is cheaper to sequence this much smaller region. Moreover, most known mutations that cause disease occur in exons and therefore it is thought to be more efficient to identify these disease-causing mutations by sequencing the exome, rather than the whole genome.

Researchers and clinicians are more likely to outsource their WES needs for the following reasons.

• Outsourcing can be cheaper than doing it in-house
• Access to greater expertise
• Ability to scale research at speed

Here we break down these three reasons:

Outsourcing WES can be cheaper than doing it in-house

The first step to completing any kind of WES research involves acquiring the right tools, including expensive machinery, such as Illumina’s NovaSeq 6000 platform. This will incur a large cost to researchers as such platforms can cost millions of dollars and require a lot of money to run and service annually. Not to mention the costs of consumables which can cost more than you might think, depending on the number of samples you need to sequence and how frequently the platform is used. Outsourcing WES to Sampled will cost a fraction of the cost of purchasing the equipment and allows researchers to leverage cutting edge sequencing platforms such as the NovaSeq 6000 and if necessary, enquire about the best experimental designs for their investigations by working with our experts.

Greater expertise

Working with sequencing platforms and completing WES investigations can be daunting if you are new to sequencing or have never performed WES before. Even if you have the right sequencing platform in-house, you may not have the right team of experts to sequence your samples, as just one mistake in sequencing can result in costly errors that could lose your team time and resources. This is especially important if the sample you’re looking to sequence is finite or irreplaceable. This is another reason why researchers are outsourcing their work to Sampled, as our highly trained experts are able to help you with experimental design and reduce turn-around-times.

The ability to scale research and decrease turn-around times

In clinical settings, there may be a team dedicated to sequencing patient samples using a sequencing platform. Likewise larger research groups may have a similar team and platform in place to study or identify SNVs which lead to a particular disease. However, the ability to scale up research due to shifting demands is crucial for both groups to be successful. This is where outsourcing WES to Sampled can help both clinicians and researchers. We can take excess samples that arrive at the lab and sequence them for you in order to ensure that a patient won’t have to wait longer than is necessary to receive their diagnosis. Likewise, for non-clinical sequencing results we can provide 100x coverage from as little as 1 business week.

Sampled can help with your whole exome sequencing needs by:

• Reducing your overheads by sparing you the costs of purchasing and maintaining sequencing platforms.
• Not having to hire new team members to run WES investigations by providing you with highly trained experts who can do the heavy lifting for you.
• Scale up or down as you see fit, allowing you to meet deadlines and manage your workload

To talk to an expert about how we can help you with your whole exome sequencing needs, click here.

What is Bulk RNA sequencing?

Bulk RNA sequencing measures the average gene expression across a population of heterogenous cells. In this method, RNA from many different cell types are extracted, pooled together, and sequenced. This provides an average expression profile for the entire population of cells, which can be useful for identifying differentially expressed genes between different tissues, conditions, or time points. However, Bulk RNA sequencing cannot distinguish gene expression differences between individual cells within the population and can mask rare cell populations, subtle transcriptional differences or differences in gene expression over time.

What are some of the applications of Bulk RNA sequencing?

• Gene expression profiling: Bulk RNA sequencing is commonly used to study gene expression patterns in different tissues, cell types, or under different experimental conditions, such as disease states, drug treatments, or time-course experiments.
• Differential gene expression analysis: By comparing gene expression profiles with Bulk RNA sequencing between different conditions, researchers can identify differentially expressed genes, which can provide insights into the biological processes and molecular pathways involved in these conditions.
• Transcriptome annotation: Bulk RNA sequencing can be used to identify novel transcripts, isoforms, and non-coding RNAs, as well as to annotate and refine existing genome annotations.
• Alternative splicing analysis: Researchers can use Bulk RNA sequencing to study alternative splicing events, which can help uncover the functional consequences of alternative splicing and its regulation.
• Identification of fusion genes and gene fusions: Bulk RNA sequencing can help identify fusion genes and gene fusions, which are often associated with specific cancer types.

What is Single-cell RNA sequencing?

Single-cell RNA sequencing analyzes the gene expression profiles of individual cells derived from homogenous and heterogenous populations. This technique isolates single cells, typically by encapsulation or by flow cytometry, and then amplifies and sequences the RNA from each cell separately. This high-resolution approach allows researchers to identify cell types, states, and subpopulations. Single-cell RNA sequencing can also reveal cellular heterogeneity and rare cell populations that might be masked in bulk RNA-seq data.

What are some of the applications of Single-cell RNA sequencing?

• Cellular heterogeneity: Single-cell RNA sequencing is particularly useful for studying cellular heterogeneity within tissues, revealing distinct cell populations and states that might be masked in bulk RNA-seq data.
• Cell type identification and characterization: By comparing gene expression profiles of individual cells, researchers can identify and characterize novel or rare cell types, as well as further refine known cell types.
• Developmental biology: Single-cell RNA sequencing can be used to study cellular differentiation, lineage tracing, and developmental trajectories in various organisms, providing insights into the mechanisms governing cellular fate decisions.
• Characterizing tumor microenvironment: Single-cell RNA sequencing is valuable for studying the tumor microenvironment, which comprises diverse cell types, including cancer cells, immune cells, and stromal cells. This can help researchers understand the interactions between these cells, how their states change over time, their roles in cancer progression and response to therapy.
• Immune cell profiling: Single-cell RNA sequencing can be used to profile immune cells, identifying subpopulations and their activation states, as well as understanding their roles in disease processes, such as autoimmunity or infection.
• Gene regulatory network analysis: By studying gene expression patterns in individual cells, researchers can infer gene regulatory networks and identify key regulators of cellular processes and cell fate decisions.

So, Bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) provides an average gene expression profile for a population of cells, while Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows for the study of gene expression in individual cells. The choice between these methods depends on the research aims, with bulk RNA-seq being useful for studying overall trends and differences in gene expression between conditions, and scRNA-seq providing a more detailed view of cellular heterogeneity and the transcriptional landscape of individual cells.

Why Outsource Bulk RNA sequencing or Single-cell RNA sequencing?

Outsourcing bulk or single-cell RNA sequencing to specialized service providers or core facilities can offer several advantages:

Expertise: RNA sequencing experiments require expertise in sample preparation, library construction, sequencing, and data analysis. At Sampled, our experts are able to work with you create the right experimental design using established protocols to ensure high quality data is generated. This also means you can save on expenditure as you do not need to hire experts to sequence your samples.

Access to advanced technology: Sampled has access to the latest sequencing platforms and instruments such as the 10x Genomics Chromium Connect and Chromium X apparatus. We take away the cost of purchasing expensive platforms and associated consumables so that researchers can benefit from cutting-edge technology without incurring the high costs associated with purchasing and maintaining such equipment.

Cost-effectiveness: Outsourcing can be more cost-effective, especially for small-scale projects or labs with limited resources. Sampled can process samples in large batches, which can reduce costs per sample.

Time savings: RNA sequencing experiments can be time-consuming, especially for researchers with limited experience. Outsourcing can save time by allowing researchers to focus on other aspects of their work while experienced technicians handle the sequencing process.

Customization and scalability: Service providers can offer customizable solutions tailored to the specific needs of a project, from experimental design to data analysis. They can also scale up to handle large sample sizes, accommodating projects with varying levels of complexity and sample numbers.

Data analysis support: Sampled goes beyond just sequencing your samples, we offer comprehensive data analysis support, including quality control, normalization, differential expression analysis, and functional annotation. This can be helpful for researchers who may not have extensive bioinformatics expertise.

In conclusion,  outsourcing your bulk or single-cell RNA sequencing to Sampled can provide access to expert knowledge, advanced technology, and cost-effective solutions – allowing researchers to focus on what they do best; core scientific questions, obtaining high-quality data to advance their research and bring treatments to market faster.

Reach out to our team of experts to learn more about how our Sampled Labs are here to support your research today.

As an NGS ProLab, Sampled can provide researchers and scientists with access to Twist Bioscience NGS technology, so that they can more easily and efficiently perform large-scale genomic research.

“We are very proud to have been named an NGS ProLab by Twist Bioscience, and to provide our clients with access to, expertise and resources that may not be available in-house,” stated Shareef Nahas, Ph.D., Sampled’s Chief Scientific Officer. “By partnering with industry-leading technology providers like Twist Bioscience, we allow our clients to focus on their research results while Sampled does the heavy lifting. This will allow them to increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, and speed up the development of new products.”

“By becoming an NGS ProLab, Sampled is now able to add Twist Target Enrichment and Library preparation solutions to its arsenal of lab services, providing high quality data and results,” said Emily M. Leproust, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience. “Our ProLabs are trained and certified to run Twist NGS solutions, enabling more researchers to benefit from the high uniformity of our probes, which allow for deep sequencing of targeted regions.”

“At Sampled, we are always striving to innovate and to offer the latest and most sophisticated technologies available, so we are delighted to bring Twist’s Next-Generation Sequencing tools to our clients around the world,” said Aaron Venables, Chief Commercial Officer at Sampled. “Our goal is to be the leading global, integrated, analytical biorepository, and to offer a range and depth of services and technologies that is unrivaled.”

About Sampled

Sampled is a next-generation laboratory that unlocks the valuable data in any biological sample. Through our integrated lab services, we can Store, Manage, Analyze, Research and Transport biological materials, offering partners a seamless solution for all research samples. Our vision is a world where we make it faster and easier for health innovators to improve human health, with a mission for Sampled Labs to be behind every transformative health innovation. Sampled is headquartered in Piscataway, N.J. with labs across the US and Europe and partner labs in the Netherlands, China and Australia.

Infinity BiologiX LLC, Roylance Stability Storage Limited and Roylance Scientific Limited are doing business as Sampled. For more information, please visit www.sampled.com

What is Single Cell RNA Sequencing and how does it work?

Single cell RNA sequencing gives researchers the ability to peer into the unique molecular activity of individual cells, transforming our understanding of cellular biology. It has numerous applications in several research areas, including the study of cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

So how does it work? The first step in scRNA-seq involves isolating single cells and capturing the transcriptome before RNA depletion or degradation occurs. Several methods are available for isolating individual cells, such as micromanipulation, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and microfluidics-based techniques. Isolated cells are lysed before RNA is extracted (or fixed), reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and used as a template for high-throughput sequencing on platforms such as those from PacBio and Illumina.

What are the Applications of Single Cell RNA Sequencing?

There are four broad types of investigation using Single Cell RNA sequencing:  

1. Characterization of complex cell populations
2. Discovery of new cell types, subpopulations, or cell states
3. Unravelling complex cellular processes
4. Scaling up functional genomics studies

More specifically, there are many research fields that have already benefited from scRNA-seq including:

1. Neurodegenerative disorders– To try to unravel the interplay between cellular processes in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
2. Oncology– In order to investigate the RNA profiles for cell populations within tumors.
3. Immunology– To reveal key regulators of immune function and the cellular interplay between immune cells.
4. Stem cell differentiation in fetus development– In order to understand and define “loss of function” phenotypes in transcription factors and key regulatory factors.
5. Diabetes– To reveal wider gene expression patterns that are involved in Type I Diabetes to predict its development even predating autoantibody production.

As scRNA-seq continues to become more widely adopted, new avenues for investigation are discovered. Advancements in technology have also played a major role making it imperative that researchers choose the most appropriate methods for their research.

Which single cell RNA sequencing platforms should I use?

There are more single cell RNA platforms arriving on the market every year, however this abundance of choice also means it can be hard for researchers who are unfamiliar with scRNA-seq to know which one is best for them. Even within one manufacturer’s series of platforms there are subtle differences that favor certain samples or conditions over others.

For instance, 10X Genomics offers a variety of platforms and chemistries enabling profiling of gene expression and cell surface proteins. With their automated Chromium Connect researchers (or service providers) can go from cells to sequencing-ready libraries with 80% less hands-on time. The instrument enables researchers to generate consistent and reproducible single cell results across experiments users and reduces errors introduced by manual pipetting. However, it may not be ideal for researchers who are looking to conduct high-throughput studies.

The Chromium X series, however, is capable of a range of projects, from pilot studies to the highest-throughput analysis. This platform can generate hundreds of thousands of single cell partitions, each containing an identifying barcode for downstream analysis.

However, these platforms are quite expensive to purchase and maintain which can be off putting to smaller labs or those who are new to scRNA-seq. Furthermore, researchers with a specialist focus may not have staff with the expertise to sequence their samples which forces them to invest more money in hiring staff who can.

Why should you outsource your samples with service provider like Sampled?

Sampled is able to do the heavy lifting, preventing individual researchers and labs from absorbing expensive overhead costs and maintenance of instrumentation. This allows researchers to focus on the work that matters most to them. We pride ourselves on not only purchasing cutting-edge platforms such as the Chromium Connect, Chromium X and HIVE solution apparatus, but also on our ability to work with researchers to give them a tailor-made service. This means working with clients to select the right platform for their needs and work with them on their experimental design before sample processing.

Outsourcing scRNA-seq samples in this manner offers researchers the opportunity to:         

• Save on capital expenditure, as they no longer need to purchase expensive platforms.
• Not have to maintain, troubleshoot, or pay for annual service contracts (saving on Operational expenditure)
• Reduce the need to hire new staff with the right expertise to manage instrumentation and processing.
• Generate high quality data that is repeatable and accurate.

Our industry leading turn-around-times mean that we can go from accepting samples at our lab to having “sequence-ready libraries” in as little as one day. We require just one standard business week to sequence samples and for data to be generated.

We are very proud to be a Certified service Provider (CSP) for 10X Genomics as it gives our clients the knowledge that our trained staff have been taught by 10X Genomics scientists to use their platforms correctly and accurately. Thanks to their training, our experts have a high degree of expertise for sequencing samples with 10X Chromium Connect and 10X Chromium X which is why outsourcing to companies like Sampled is becoming more and more popular.

If you would like to learn more about our technology we provide access to you can find out more here, or if you would like to speak to one of our experts about how outsourcing your single cell work  can accelerate your research, click here.