Alithea Genomics, a leading innovator in large-scale RNA sequencing and transcriptomics, has unveiled its latest technological advancement: the MERCURIUS™ Full-Length DRUG-seq library preparation platform. This new solution represents a groundbreaking approach in RNA sequencing, combining massive sample multiplexing, an extraction-free workflow, and full transcript coverage within a single RNA-seq process. The MERCURIUS™ platform is compatible with both 96- and 384-well plate formats, enabling the preparation of up to 384 full-length RNA-seq libraries in one tube, without the need for RNA isolation.
Alithea’s CEO and co-founder, Dr. Riccardo Dainese, emphasized the unique capabilities of Full-Length DRUG-seq: “This technology enables us to capture a broader range of biologically significant gene features, including a significantly higher number of different transcripts, isoforms, and splicing variants compared to traditional 3’ mRNA-seq approaches,” said Dr. Dainese. “For the first time, researchers can now perform large-scale compound screenings using full-length RNA sequencing, opening up new opportunities for discovering drugs that specifically target gene isoforms and splicing events.”
The MERCURIUS™ Full-Length DRUG-seq platform enhances the sensitivity and depth of RNA-sequencing by enabling full-length transcript coverage, a key advantage over standard 3’ mRNA-seq technologies. This method can detect over 40,000 distinct transcripts at just 4 million reads per sample, achieving comparable performance to non-multiplexed gold standard sequencing methods. Additionally, it enables the detection of various isoforms, splicing variants, and alternative promoters, which are crucial for understanding complex gene regulation and function.
A key benefit of the MERCURIUS™ Full-Length DRUG-seq technology is its ability to process RNA sequencing libraries for up to 384 samples in a time- and cost-efficient manner, thanks to its multiplexing capability. The kit’s innovative design eliminates the need for RNA isolation, reducing the preparation time and costs traditionally associated with RNA sequencing. By significantly increasing throughput and decreasing resource consumption, Alithea’s approach makes RNA sequencing more accessible and scalable for drug discovery applications.
Dr. Dainese noted, “The launch of Full-Length DRUG-seq is just the beginning. We have a pipeline of new technologies slated for release through 2025, all aimed at improving RNA sequencing efficiency. These innovations will continue to leverage the power of sample multiplexing and extraction-free workflows to support a growing range of sample types, further speeding up the sequencing process.”
Alithea Genomics is already accepting orders for the MERCURIUS™ Full-Length DRUG-seq kits and associated services, which are expected to be instrumental in drug discovery, especially in the exploration of gene isoforms and alternative splicing as targets for therapeutic development.
RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a critical tool in genomics, allowing researchers to analyze the quantity and sequence of RNA in biological samples. This data reveals the gene expression patterns that dictate cellular processes in normal and diseased states, providing insights into how cells respond to drugs or environmental factors. By examining which genes are turned on or off, RNA-seq helps researchers understand disease mechanisms, drug effects, and how to better target therapies.
Alithea’s innovations in RNA sequencing technology are revolutionizing the drug discovery and development process. Through its massively multiplexed library preparation solutions, Alithea enables researchers to prepare hundreds of RNA samples for sequencing in a single tube, a significant improvement over traditional, labor-intensive RNA sequencing methods. These solutions dramatically reduce the cost, time, and resource consumption associated with RNA sample preparation.
Alithea’s BRB-seq (Bulk RNA Barcoding and Sequencing) technology, for example, is designed to streamline RNA sequencing by allowing high-throughput sample processing. This breakthrough reduces the amount of reagents and manual labor required in sample preparation, making it a more cost-effective and efficient option for researchers.
By enabling more comprehensive and high-throughput RNA sequencing, Alithea’s technologies are poised to play a pivotal role in advancing personalized medicine and precision therapeutics. As drug discovery shifts toward targeting specific gene isoforms and splicing variants, technologies like Full-Length DRUG-seq offer unprecedented insights into gene expression and its role in disease. With these tools, researchers are empowered to develop more targeted and effective therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The launch of MERCURIUS™ Full-Length DRUG-seq marks a new chapter in the evolution of RNA sequencing, one that promises to transform the landscape of drug discovery and accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.
