nanoString nCounter Analysis
The nanoString nCounter Analysis system utilizes a novel fluorescent color-coded molecular barcode technology coupled with single molecule imaging to perform digital nucleic acid (RNA and DNA) counting. This technology enables investigators to profile hundreds of targets simultaneously, up to 800 mRNA or miRNA targets in a single reaction for many kits.
View the service pricing schedule for more information about nanoString nCounter analysis pricing.
System highlights and applications
- Multiplex up to 800 targets in a single reaction (certain assays)
- Minimal/No amplification or enzymatic reactions
- Utilize small sample quantities (100 ng RNA, 300 ng gDNA), contact Yun Zhu for specific kit requirements
- Diverse and difficult sample types: blood, tissue and FFPE derived samples, ChIP DNA
- High sensitivity and reproducibility
- Fast turnaround, sometimes as little as 4 working days
RNA applications include:
- Targeted analysis of complex gene expression networks.
- Characterization of gene fusions and splice variants.
- miRNA expression analysis.
- miRGE analysis (miRNA and mRNA at the same time).
- LncRNA expression analysis (custom order).
DNA applications include:
- Validation of Illumina NGS data.
- Copy number variation analysis.
- ChIP screening (ChIP-String).
Instrumentation
The nCounter MAX/FLEX system consists of a robotic nCounter Prep Station for sample processing and the nCounter Digital Analyzer for collecting data.
Sample submission
NanoString offers a variety of pre-designed, off-the-shelf assays*. In addition, investigators can work with nanoString to supplement existing panels with custom probe-sets or design complete custom panels.
*For a list of assays please go to the nanoString home page and select the “Products” tab.
Sample submission requirements
The assay being used and sample types determine the minimum volume and concentration needed. Please see the nanoString nCounter Analysis sample requirements guide for more information. If you do not have the required sample amount, please contact the ATGC.
Getting started
*First time service users are welcome to request a no-charge consultation meeting. To request a meeting please contact Yun Zhu or Erika Thompson.
- Select and order your assay from nanoString. Please ship to Yun Zhu at MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Rm S15.8425, Houston, TX 77054. Please update Yun Zhu of any shipments expected to arrive at the ATGC.
- There are specific requirements for sample input, depending on the sample type. Please see the sample requirements guide, or contact Yun Zhu for more information about sample quantities.
- The kits are configured for 12 samples so we request samples be submitted in multiples of 12. We can run fewer samples, but the minimum charge is for 12.
- Submit samples along with a completed service request form to Yun Zhu in the ATGC located on the 15th floor of the BSRB, room S15.8425.
- The samples will be checked for concentration using fluorometry (Qubit). An additional QC to check for degradation (Agilent TapeStation) will be performed. The customer will be notified if any samples do not pass the QC.
- Projects are run in the order they are received. If there are no other projects in the queue the data may be available as soon as 4 working days after submission. Runs cannot be started on Fridays.
- Data is presented as raw counts. The investigator will be responsible for analysis using nanoString’s nSolver software. This software is free for download from the nanoString website. Please note: you will need to create an account in order to download the software. The software is also included on the flash drive that accompanies the kit.
ATGC contact information
Yun Zhu
yzhu11@mdanderson.org
David Pollock
dpollock@mdanderson.org
Erika Thompson
ejthomps@mdanderson.org
NanoString support contact information
Christof Straub, Ph.D.
Key Account Manager-Houston,Dallas
Email: cstraub@nanostring.com
Christopher DeHeer
Field Application Specialist
Email: cdeheer@nanostring.com
Technical Support
Email: support@nanostring.com