NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held life sciences company marketing a molecular barcoding detection system, today announced that it is collaborating with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard to investigate molecular networks involved in immune response and other important biological processes. The three-year collaboration is also designed to explore ways to expand how NanoString’s next-generation digital gene expression technology can be applied to improve basic and clinical research.
As part of the collaboration, the Broad Institute will use NanoString’s nCounterTM Analysis System to decipher entire networks of genes to identify how these genes work together to carry out biological functions. To support this effort, NanoString will design custom CodeSets (molecular barcodes associated with the genes of interest) based on gene signatures identified by Broad investigators. These gene sets may eventually be developed into commercially available assay panels for the nCounter system.
“NanoString offers the ability to look at hundreds of genetic markers across many samples at relatively low cost and with high sensitivity. They have developed exciting technology with potential applications to a wide range of scientific problems,” said Eric Lander, D. Phil., Director of the Broad Institute. “We look forward to working together to explore new ways of using of this technology.”