NanoString launches fixed-panel assay product for human molecular karyotyping

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held life sciences company marketing a complete solution for detecting and counting large sets of target molecules in biological samples, today announced the first fixed-panel assay product to be developed on its Copy Number Variation (CNV) detection platform - the nCounter^® Human Karyotype Panel.

Researchers can use the nCounter Human Karyotype Panel with the nCounter Analysis System to accurately quantify chromosome number and detect aneuploidy - the existence of less than or more than the normal two chromosomes in a diploid genome that can play a role in cancer development and developmental disorders such as Down's Syndrome. In addition to being a concern for human health, chromosomal aberrations occur during in vitro culture and are known to alter the biological properties of cells in culture and therefore compromise experimental results.

The new assays are ideal for monitoring human-derived samples and cell lines for chromosomal abnormalities, requiring less hands-on time than any other karyotyping product. Unlike traditional karyotyping methods such as G-banding or FISH analysis that are time consuming, labor intensive, and cannot be easily scaled for many samples at once, nCounter assays are simple and easy to use for any laboratory scientist. Further, the Human Karyotype Panel provides precise, accurate and automated prediction of chromosomal copy number for all 24 human chromosomes in one reaction.

"We continue to demonstrate the extensibility of our nCounter platform with a range of applications that address important market needs," said Barney Saunders, Ph.D., Chief Commercial Officer of NanoString Technologies. "With the introduction of the Human Karyotype Panel, NanoString is making molecular karyotyping accessible to anyone interested in monitoring cell line integrity and removing the bottleneck in the quality control process."

The nCounter Analysis System is a fully automated digital detection and counting system with a very simple workflow. The assay kits contain all of the reagents and consumables required to conduct an experiment. Minimal sample input requirements and compatibility with a variety of sample types, extends the utility of the platform. In addition to the human CNV assays, NanoString provides assays for gene expression and miRNA analysis. The company also recently announced plans to develop in vitro diagnostic products to run on the nCounter platform. The nCounter Analysis System and Human Karyotype Panel are currently available for Research Use Only.