What is Olink Explore, what’s the difference between Olink Explore 3072 & HT and why to choose this protein analysis technique?
Protein analysis refers to the identification and quantification of the protein contents of a biological system at a specific time. In the field of proteomics research, the quest for a platform that combines high-throughput capability, specificity, and sensitivity is ongoing.
Olink Explore represents a groundbreaking platform that combines the expression proteomics approach with NGS readouts and bioinformatics to provide a complete view of the information of biological systems and their disease alterations.
Olink Explore brings the innovation in proteomics
Olink offers a highly sensitive method for high-throughput protein biomarker discovery, ensuring exceptional specificity even at high multiplexing levels, while requiring only low volumes of serum, plasma, or nearly any other type of biological sample.
The innovation in the technology of the Olink platforms is the Proximity Extension Assay (PEA). With this type of assay, you can achieve high levels of specificity and detection sensitivity by combining affinity-based proteomics with NGS readouts.
How does Proximity Extension Assay work?
PEA is an immunoassay technology that uses antibodies attached to unique sequences of DNA oligonucleotides (DNA-tags).
Each protein in the sample is targeted by two antibodies with complementary DNA sequences. Due to the proximity, when the two antibodies are attached with the target protein, DNA tags are hybridized and extended making a unique DNA barcode for each protein analyzed. This double-stranded DNA is then amplified using PCR and quantified using NGS readout on the Illumina® NovaSeq or Illumina® NextSeq platforms.
Olink Explore Workflow
- Sampling
- Dilution of the samples to achieve the desirable protein concentrations for the assays’ dynamic range.
- Dual-antibody binding with protein-target.
- Hybridisation of DNA oligonucleotides.
- Extension of double stranded DNA and amplification through PCR.
- Addition of unique sample indices.
- Sequencing with Next Generation Sequencing
- Relative quantification in units of normalized protein expression (NPX).
What are the key Application Areas?
Olink Explore can be useful for scientists closely interested in biomarker discovery, clinical research, and drug discovery.
Biomarker discovery is possible due to the broad range of proteins that can be identified through the Olink Explore system (up to ~6000 proteins). This technology supports several disease areas including neurology, inflammation, oncology, and more.
For drug discovery and development, Olink Explore can provide knowledge of real-time biology in disease and drug mode of action. Utilizing protein biomarkers, Olink Explore can be used to predict responses, stratify patient populations, and provide vital insights into disease biology.
By addressing escalating costs and regulatory demands for precision medicine, Olink Explore supports faster drug discovery and development with a higher success rate by delivering deep biological insights and actionable data.
Olink Explore 3072 & Olink Explore HT
Olink provides several panels, all based on Olink’s innovative Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology, for broad protein screening. In this way, users can select the best option for them.
Olink Explore 3072 detects and quantifies 3072 different proteins in every sample, using only 6 µL of sample. Olink Explore 3072 gives the possibility to conduct the proteomic analysis by running all eight available Explore panels simultaneously or to select from the following subpanels for specific disease areas:
- Olink Explore 384 Cardiometabolic I and II
- Olink Explore 384 Neurology I and II
- Olink Explore 384 Inflammation I and II
- Olink Explore 384 Oncology I and II
Olink Explore HT is the next-generation solution for high throughput protein biomarker discovery. The platform measures more than 5400 proteins with a minimum volume of 2 µL per sample while covering an impressive 84% of all major biological pathways.
With an increased specificity and scalability Olink Explore HT is designed to perform at any scale and run thousands of samples in a cost-effective way with a streamlined and automated workflow.
In this way, Olink provides us with flexibility and scalability by using Olink Explore 3072 and with a much broader spectrum of proteins that can be identified and measured by Olink Explore HT.
Why Olink Explore?
The twofold identification of the target protein coming from the dual antibody binding, coupled with NGS readouts enhances specificity, eliminating wrong targets and misinterpretation.
On top of that Olink Explore offers high throughput with only small volumes of sample,
high sensitivity and broad dynamic range. In this way the analysis is efficient for both low and high abundance proteins.
Quality Control procedures are built in the Olink Explore platform. The Quality Control procedures include internal and external controls that have been developed by Olink for data normalization and quality control.
Protavio is a certified service provider for Olink Explore. Our services emphasize our dedication to excellence and support for researchers by providing essential tools and insights to advance proteomics and biomarker discovery.
To learn more, click here to schedule a call with our team today.