Editorial Article: Latest advances in biomarker research: SelectScience special feature

Biomarkers are biological molecules - for example, cells, proteins, hormones, metabolites or genes - that can be measured to identify a biological state. This makes their study of particular interest for disease pathogenesis, with possible applications in diagnosis, prognosis, as well as in drug discovery and development for monitoring the effects of treatments.
 

The search for novel biomarkers holds potential for earlier and less invasive disease diagnosis, for example through liquid biopsies, and is also a key focus for patient stratification and precision medicine approaches. With a wide range of potential biomarkers, numerous laboratory techniques play a role in biomarker research. Here, we look at some of the latest technologies, including multiplex assay, ELISA, immunofluorescence imaging, liquid chromatography, and proteomics and genomic approaches, and the researchers advancing this field.
 

An affinity proteomics approach for biomarker discovery

Dr. Jochen Schwenk, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, discusses how bead-based affinity proteomics using Luminex xMAP^® technology is enabling researchers to map the entire human proteome.

 

Watch video

 

 

Accurate measurement of CGRP level from plasma in pediatric migraine patients

Learn how Bertin's calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ELISA kit provides reliable measurement of CGRP in human plasma, and why this biomarker is studied in the context of patient stratification.

 

Download method

 

 

LC columns for even the most challenging samples in bottom-up proteomics

Discover why PharmaFluidics’ micro Pillar Array Columns (µPAC™) are suitable for bottom-up proteomics, demonstrating the required lifetime as well as resilience for challenging samples.

 

Download method

 

 

Protein:protein interactions: Understanding protein function in live cells

This download outlines a method for using BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES' TriStar² S LB 942 Multimode Microplate Reader with the Promega NanoBRET™ Protein:Protein Interaction System. 

 

Download method

 

 

Immuno-oncology: Optimized end-to-end solution for multiplex immunofluorescence

This study by Akoya Biosciences shows a complete workflow for spatially resolved, tissue-based biomarker discovery to elucidate cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment.

 

Download poster

 

 

Genomic biomarkers: Responding to researchers’ needs through PCR and RT-qPCR

Bio-Rad's Dr. Yan Wang, Reagent R&D, shares the approach her team has taken to develop useful, high-quality and easy-to-use genomics tools to streamline DNA and RNA expression analysis.

 

Read interview

 

 

Analyzing intra-tumor heterogeneity for biomarker development

In this application note, discover a novel method to optimize quantification of RNA in archival material using the MMI CellCut system for the separation of morphologically different tissue areas.

 

Download method

 

 

Read the latest reviews:

Don't just take our word of it, take a look at the top precision medicine product reviews:

InnoScan 1100 by Innopsys

SMCxPRO™ Immunoassay System by MilliporeSigma, a business of Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany

Related resources:

The latest articles in biomarker research:

• Dr. Sally Price, Head of Cell and Translational Science, Medicine Discovery Catapult shares her thoughts on the future of precision medicine and the role that biomarker discovery will play. Read article>>
• Bridget McLaughlin, Co-Director of the University of California Davis Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, describes the role of exosomes in disease and the technology enabling biomarker detection in single cells. Watch video>>  
• Dr. Peter Caie and Ph.D. student Ines Nearchou, University of St. Andrews, discuss a new prognostic test for colorectal cancer in this interview. Read article>>
• Dr. C.J. Barnum, Director of Neuroscience and Translational Research, INmune Bio Inc., describes a novel non-amyloid approach to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and how inflammatory biomarkers may assist clinical trials. Read article>>
   

SelectScience how-to-buy eBooks:

• Cell Imaging Technology
• Flow Cytometers for Screening
• Microplate Readers
• CAR-T Cell Therapy Workflow Solutions
• Multiplexing Technology