NanoStrings

NanoString Technologies is a biotechnology company that develops and markets a ncounter-based technology for gene expression, microRNA, and protein analysis. The NanoString nCounter Analysis System utilizes a digital optical counting method to directly count fluorescently labeled probes. This method bypasses the need for amplification steps such as PCR, which can introduce bias and variability. The technology is employed in a wide range of research applications, including biomarker discovery, translational research, and diagnostics.

The core of the NanoString platform is its unique digital counting technology. Samples are labeled with specific reporter probes that bind to target molecules like RNA or protein. These reporter probes are then captured by a biotinylated capture probe. The complex is immobilized on a surface, and a scanning process counts the individual fluorescent signals, providing a direct, absolute count of the target molecules. This precise counting mechanism is a key differentiator.

Applications of NanoString technology span various fields of life science research. In cancer research, it is used to profile gene expression patterns to identify potential therapeutic targets and predict treatment response. It also plays a role in immunology for understanding immune cell populations and their activation states. Furthermore, the platform is utilized in neuroscience for analyzing gene expression in brain tissue and in infectious disease research for studying pathogen-host interactions. The technology is recognized for its sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for researchers in academic and pharmaceutical settings.