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World Cancer Day: The Technologies Advancing Cancer Research

SelectScience
4 Feb 2015
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Editorial article

In honor of World Cancer Day 2015, SelectScience shares some of the recent advances in technologies and methods being used in cancer research. Watch videos and download application notes to learn about these technologies, which are assisting research for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Prof. Jeremy Nicholson Introduces the MRC-NIHR Phenome Centre
Prof. Jeremy Nicholson, Chair in Biological Chemistry and Head of the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, introduces the MRC-NIHR Phenome Centre, a Waters Center of Innovation. Prof. Nicholson, who is also Lead Principal Investigator at the centre, discusses how it will deliver broad access to a world-class capability in metabolic phenotyping using UPLC and high resolution MS systems from Waters.

Escalating Cancer Research through Automated RNASeq Sample Preparation from Archival FFPE Tissue Specimens
This poster describes a high throughput automated ScripSeq RNA library preparation method for archival prostate cancer FFPE tissue, utilizing Beckman Coulter’s Biomek FXP platform.

Extracellular Matrices: Innovative Cancer Research
In this exclusive video tour of the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Prof. Jim Norman describes the current research taking place at the world-class cancer research facility, including cell cancer metabolism, cancer cell proliferation, and mechanisms of invasion and metathesis.

Phosphorylation Site Specific Aptamers for Cancer Biomarker Peptide Enrichment and Detection in Mass Spectrometry Based Proteomics
This application note shows the development of high-affinity aptamers against specific phosphorylated and unmodified peptide target sequences of certain cancer biomarkers of interest, utilizing Base Pair Biotechnologies patented, multiplexed “Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment” (SELEX) approach.

Using Droplet Digital™ PCR for Cancer and Liquid Biopsy Studies
See how Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital PCR technology is being used to identify cancer subtypes, optimize drug treatment plans, monitor residual disease, and study tumor evolution.

Detecting Phenotypical Subgroups in Breast Cancer using Multiplexed Protein Expression Analysis in Intact Tissue Sections
This application note demonstrates the ability of PerkinElmer’s Nuance® multiplex biomarker and Vectra® quantitative pathology imaging systems to capture cellular and sub-cellular expression details in an intact tissue architectural context.

The C-DiGit Blot Scanner Used in Breast Cancer Metastases Investigations
Read how the C-DiGit chemiluminescent Western blot scanner (LI-COR Biosciences) has been used to investigate uncommonly available specimens of matched fresh breast-to-brain metastases tissue and derived cells from patients undergoing neurosurgical resection.

Academic Drug Discovery for Cancer and Neuroscience Indications
Watch Professor John Atack, Director of Translational Drug Discovery at the University of Sussex, explain how his unit works in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry in target identification and lead optimization, for Cancer and Neuroscience indications.

For more information see our Cancer Research Special Feature>>

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Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gel Doc / Image AnalysisGel documentation (gel doc) or gel imaging systems are used for the analysis of proteins, antibodies and nucleic acid immobilized in polyacrylamide or agarose gels, membranes or microarrays. Explore a range of a gel imaging systems, densitometers, scanners, transilluminators or UV lamp + CCD cameras for your image analysis solutions. Colorimetric, fluorescent and/or radioisotopic samples can be visualized and documented for further analysis. See gel doc / Image analysis software for quantitative 1D and 2D analysis of your samples. Find the best gel doc / image analysis products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cancer CellsCancer cells are abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors and the spread of cancer. Studying cancer cells is crucial for developing new treatments and understanding tumor biology. Explore cancer cell research products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.Ovarian Cancer

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