With a state-of-the-art experimental platform and a team of researchers specialized in cell biology, Creative Bioarray has developed a comprehensive range of cell characterization services applied in cell reprogramming. Our new analytical methods for the characterization of converted cells provide clients with powerful tools to obtain more information about converted cells.
Background
Several methods have been applied for the assessment of converted cells, such as marker gene expression analysis, epigenetic patterns and global gene expression, silencing of exogenous factors, and epigenetic status of master genes. However, these methods still have limitations in obtaining comprehensive information about converted cells, such as the fact that these assays are mainly based on whole cell populations and cannot reveal the heterogeneity of reprogrammed cells, as well as the inability to quantitatively define the degree of similarities between reprogrammed cells and their in vivo counterparts. Therefore, researchers at Creative Bioarray have built on the limitations of currently developed assays to develop new methods to reveal the heterogeneity of reprogrammed cells and to provide a blueprint for engineering cell identity.
Fig.1 Single cell expression profiling of induced-hematopoietic stem cells (iHSCs) reveals evidence of partial and full reprogramming. (Riddell, 2014)
New Analytical Methods for Converted Cells
- Single-cell analysis
- Gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis
Currently, single cell analysis is used to analyze the expression of key marker genes in individual cells. We have successfully characterized iN cells and iHSC using this technology. Moreover, we provide our customers with additional information on gene expression variation in reprogrammed cells through further in-depth analysis including highly quantitative multiplex analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing. We use these technologies to help our customers complete the analysis of mouse hematopoietic cells and human preimplantation embryos.
We have reconstructed the GRN for multiple cell types and tissues which can be scored by using publicly available gene expression profiles for different cell types and tissues. The application of GRN analysis in cell reprogramming provides a "global positioning system" for the induction of functional cells. This technology allows quantitative comparison of directly reprogrammed cells with their in vivo counterparts and also improves the quality of reprogrammed cells by identifying the abnormal GRN.
Advantages of Us
- Unparalleled cell reprogramming technology platforms
- Ph.D. level experienced technical staff
- Advanced and powerful data analysis tools
- Comprehensive and targeted solutions
Creative Bioarray has extensive expertise and experience in the field of cellular reprogramming. Our highly trained researchers will provide high-quality characterization for converted cells according to the specific research needs of our customers, and we will continue to innovate new analytical methods to provide more efficient scientific services to our clients. Please contact us directly if you are interested in our services.
References
- Riddell, J.; et al. Reprogramming committed murine blood cells to induced hematopoietic stem cells with defined factors. Cell, 2014, 157(3): 549-564.
- Xu, J.; et al. Direct lineage reprogramming: strategies, mechanisms, and applications. Cell stem cell. 2015, 16(2): 119-134.