Molecular Combing
Molecular combing is a technique used to stretch DNA molecules and make them accessible for in situ studies. The technique involves using the force exerted in the process of liquid flow via surface tension to stretch DNA molecules and spread them on solid surfaces, such as glass cover slips. Many DNA molecules can be stretched at the same time in parallel and neatly arranged side-by-side, making the approach convenient for statistical analysis.
Molecular combing is also known as chromosome combing or DNA combing. The technique is used for nucleic acid hybridization studies such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) which benefit from the uniformity of stretching, the easy access to the hybridization target sequences, and the resolution offered by the large distance between two probes. Molecular combing is also used to study DNA replication, a highly regulated process that is reliant on a specific program of the temporal and spatial distribution of activation of origins of replication. The technique is gentle on the molecules, rapid, and easy to perform. Reliable, quantitative information for genome-wide studies can be obtained without the need for other techniques, and a large number of accurate measurements can be made in a single experiment. Molecular combing requires stretching, aligning, and immobilizing protein-free DNA molecules on hydrophobic surfaces such as silane or PDMS. The technique has found applications in medical fields and is a versatile technique that provides insight into replication fork dynamics at single-molecule resolution.
A new dimension for genomic DNA analysis
Molecular combing technology allows to perform two assays: The Genetic Morse Code (GMC), and the Replication Combing Assay (RCA). GMC investigates the structural variations of the genome, whilst RCA focuses on the dynamics of DNA replication and repair. This integration opens a new horizon for genomic DNA analysis, empowering precise evaluations and improving quality control.
Advantages
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| Single molecule DNA studies | Preserving genomic integrity | Constant DNA stretching factor | ||
| The process of separating and stretching DNA molecules facilitates the study of specific genomic regions. This ability enables the recognition and characterization of large-scale genomic variations, enhancing the quality control standards in bioproduction. | Molecular combing technology excels in preserving genomic integrity, by avoiding genomic DNA fragmentation. This approach allows the simultaneous study of multiple events occurring in the same genomic region, ensuring accurate and reliable results. | Molecular combing system (MCS) consistently stretches DNA molecules at a constant rate. This allows us to precisely evaluate crucial parameters such as replication speed and inter-origin distances. Our MCS is an integral part of our high-performance, AI-powered data analysis system, facilitating accurate identification of genomic variations. |
| Genomic Morse Code (GMC) |
Replication Combing Assay (RCA) |
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The GMC is a unique detection strategy allowing the direct visualization of large regions of interest to address structural variations and dynamic genomic events. |
RCA is a cutting-edge tool for real-time monitoring of genomic DNA replication at single-molecule resolution. It allows the simultaneous stretching of multiple DNA molecules under various conditions, enabling precise evaluation of replication speed and event distances within a molecule.e. |
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Applications: Bioproduction: Bioproduction is a process that exploits living systems and biological molecules (such as microorganism and cell culture) for scalable production of bio-materials for use in pharmaceutical/medicine, food and beverage and agriculture industries. The technology offers the characterization of genetic material as a Quality Control requirement for biomaterial production, based on six parameters :
Cell & Gene Therapy: The field of healthcare where delivery of genetic materials via vector/carrier system (developed for genetic alteration or cellular modification) into the patients for amelioration of disease. With Molecular Combing technology, the positive identification, genetic integrity, on and off target insertion, stability characterization of the therapeutic product can serve as a Quality Control requirement for heathier and safer treatment. Telomere Analysis: is the novel tool for measurements of physical telomere length that can be applied to various model organisms.
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Applications: Drug Discovery: In cancer treatment, RCA technology helps evaluate the effectiveness of cytotoxic compounds targeting DNA replication and damage response in tumor cells. Genomic Vision's RCA technology supports pharmaceutical companies, speeding up drug discovery by analyzing genomic instability factors. Reserch: Oncology research is highly competitive due to the global cancer incidence surge. DNA fiber analysis/RCA has become the gold standard for understanding DNA metabolism and assessing replication stress from genotoxic agents like chemotherapy and radiation. Genomic Vision provides essential services like experimental design guidance and automated analysis to aid researchers in gaining deep molecular insights into these processes.
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Service delivery
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If you wish to avoid manual image acquisition and get all the signals in one picture, our EasyScan service is perfect for you. Send us your coverslips with combed and labelled DNA and our automated scanner will scan the whole surface. The service also allows you to benefit from our web application to directly visualize, categorize and measure signals of interest with accuracy. |
You want to entrust your project to molecular combing experts ? From DNA extraction to image acquisition, we take care of everything. Once the samples processed, you can access your results using our web application : analyze your signals with simplicity and accuracy.
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Looking for a streamlined solution to address your research needs while minimizing your efforts? From DNA extraction to data analysis, we handle every step. The results, encapsulated in a comprehensive analysis report, are promptly delivered directly to you.
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