- The nCounter® Analysis System, developed by NanoString Technologies, is a robust and highly multiplexed platform designed for the direct, digital quantification of nucleic acids and proteins. Unlike many traditional methods such as qPCR or RNA-seq, the nCounter system does not require reverse transcription or enzymatic amplification. This feature minimizes technical variability and makes the platform particularly suitable for analyzing challenging sample types, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and degraded RNA.
- At the core of the nCounter technology is a pair of target-specific probes: a reporter probe, which carries a fluorescent barcode unique to each target, and a capture probe, which allows for immobilization of the hybridized complex onto a solid support. These probes hybridize directly to the target RNA or DNA molecules in solution. After an overnight hybridization reaction, excess probes are removed through automated purification, and the probe-target complexes are aligned and immobilized in a cartridge. The Digital Analyzer then scans the cartridge, counting each fluorescent barcode to provide an absolute digital count of each target molecule.
- The system supports multiplexing of up to 800 unique targets per sample, enabling comprehensive gene expression profiling in a single reaction. Its direct detection and high sensitivity make it ideal for applications in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease research. Researchers can use NanoString’s pre-designed panels for common biological pathways and disease signatures or create customized panels using user-defined gene sets.
- Data generated by the nCounter system are analyzed using nSolver™ Analysis Software, which offers an intuitive interface for data normalization, quality control, and statistical analysis. This software suite includes tools for pathway analysis and can integrate results with metadata for biomarker discovery and validation. For more advanced applications, NanoString also offers spatial biology tools such as GeoMx® Digital Spatial Profiler and AtoMx™, enabling spatially resolved gene and protein expression analysis.
- In summary, the nCounter® Analysis System is a powerful, user-friendly, and amplification-free platform for high-precision molecular profiling. Its ability to provide accurate, reproducible, and quantitative data makes it an invaluable tool in both research and clinical settings.
