NanoString nCounter

The NanoString nCounter is a single-molecule counting device for the digital quantification of up to 800 different genes in a single multiplexed reaction. The technology is based on gene-specific probe pairs that are hybridized to the sample in combination with automated imaging and detection. The protocol eliminates any enzymatic reactions that might introduce bias in the results.

nCounter assays can be used with a wide variety of different sample types such as purified total RNA, raw cell or blood lysates, and FFPE tissue sections with no loss in precision. Severely degraded RNA can be used, owing to the fact that the nCounter probe sets only hybridize to a 100 base pair contiguous region of the target oligonucleotide.

Key benefits

• Highly multiplexed - analyze the expression of up to 800 RNA, DNA, or protein targets. 
• Sample flexibility -  works with purified total RNA, raw cell or blood lysates, and FFPE tissue sections with no loss in precision.
• Zero enzymatic steps - direct, digital quantification with no amplification or cDNA conversion.
• Simple data analysis - nCounter data can be quickly analyzed using openly available nSolver and ROSALIND tools.

Panels

There are 30 off-the-shelf panels available for gene expression, as well as additional off-the shelf panels for gene fusions, miRNA, CNV, and protein detection. Or design your own multiplex Custom CodeSet with up to 800 user-defined targets for a variety of organisms and applications. Commonly requested panels:

 
See NanoString's Panel Pro Selection Tool for the full catalog of inventoried and made-to-order gene expression panels by name, application area, biologic pathway/process, or gene name(s). 

Questions?

To start a project or to learn more custom CodeSet options, contact us at exprn@umn.edu.