PLEXPRESS says that researchers can now select from hundreds of genes and carry out reliable, accurate and cost-effective Adme-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion toxicity) studies, thanks to its expanded library of pre-validated probes for multiplexed gene expression analysis.
The range includes many genes relevant for the investigation of in vitro drug interactions during pre-clinical studies, such as key members of the Cytochrome P450 family and many membranous transport channels.
While the pre-validated panels are perfect for ‘off-the-shelf’ use, the company’s innovative TRAC (Transcript Analysis with the aid of Affinity Capture) system can also be set-up and optimised for any gene where the sequence is known, providing researchers with the flexibility to investigate any gene combination using both novel and pre-validated probes.
Jari Rautio, CEO of Plexpress, commented: “TRAC is ideal for Adme-Tox studies as it allows the rapid analysis of an investigational drug in many thousands of samples, without sacrificing the number of genes being analysed.
“New compounds likely to be toxic or ineffective can therefore be identified early in the process, before costly clinical trials have taken place”.
Gene expression analysis is a widespread and growing method to analyse Adme-Tox profiles in drug discovery.
TRAC uses 96-well plates and avoids the need for RNA extraction, cDNA conversion and amplification, whichPlexpress says should reduce experimental bias. It can multiplex up to 30 genes per sample, providing expression profiles for all key genes in a single, rapid experiment.
The company’s human Adme-Tox panels can feature up to six reference genes and numerous targets including 14 CYP450 genes, glucuronosyl transferases, glutathione transferases and ABC transporters. The Plexpress rat Adme-Tox library has over 14 reference genes and more than 120 targets to choose from including hepatotoxicity, necrosis, cholestasis and steatosis markers as well as those associated with drug metabolism and transport pathways.