Qiagen N.V. announced the introduction of more than 170 new QIAseq Targeted RNA Panels for gene expression profiling, expanding Qiagen’s portfolio of Sample to Insight solutions for next-generation sequencing (NGS). The panels enable researchers to select from over 20,000 human genes and lncRNA to survey expression fold changes and discover interactions between genes, cellular phenotypes and disease processes.

Qiagen, a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions to transform biological materials into valuable molecular insights.

The new QIAseq Targeted RNA Panels use innovative molecular barcode technology and built-in control assays to empower researchers with true digital RNA sequencing and accurate gene expression results. Coupled with world-leading RNA isolation technologies, integrated NGS library preparation and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, the panels provide a unique Sample to Insight solution for efficient RNA sequencing, using any NGS sequencer. Data analysis and insights are integrated into the QIAseq panels with easy-to-use, comprehensive analysis modules that require no bioinformatics expertise.

“Our QIAseq panels make RNA sequencing more accurate and reproducible with molecular barcode-based sequencing addressing the challenges posed by of low-abundance transcripts, PCR duplicates and amplification bias. These are important new tools for NGS researchers,” said Brad Crutchfield, senior vice president and head of Qiagen’s life sciences business area. “Qiagen is leading the way in providing NGS solutions to take labs from Sample to Insight.”

QIAseq Targeted RNA Panels cover an extensive range of disease- and signaling pathway-focused genes, with each panel targeting 100 to 500 genes. The content is based on the latest recommendations from relevant medical and scientific literature. The panels also can be customized to include other genes of clinical and biological interest, with flexibility to analyze from 12 to 1,000 genes simultaneously.

Qiagen has collaborated with key leader in genomic discovery in the development of the new QIAseq panels to validate product performance in a wide range of applications, including translational and clinical research. Dr. Chris Mason, associate professor at Weill Cornell Medicine and one of the early users of QIAseq Targeted RNA Panels, will be presenting application data of the new panels at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) meeting in Orlando, Florida on February 11.

QIASeq panel technology combines the flexibility and throughput of NGS with the accuracy of qPCR. The panels use only 20 nanograms of starting RNA material to analyse hundreds of genes. The molecular barcode technology, proprietary assay design algorithms and chemistry provide industry-leading specifications: >97 per cent specificity (reads on target), >95 per cent uniformity (bases covered by at least 20 per cent of the mean coverage depth), and sensitivity to detect 1 RNA copy per cell for QIAseq RNA panels.

Qiagen serves next-generation sequencing customers worldwide with solutions from Sample to Insight. The company’s sample preparation workflows, including tools for difficult challenges such as single-cell analysis and studies of microbial diversity, are the industry’s most respected. Its Enzymatics products are used in an estimated 80 per cent of all NGS workflows. Qiagen also provides a portfolio of NGS oncology gene panels compatible with any platform. The GeneReader NGS System was launched in late 2015 as the world's first truly Sample to Insight NGS workflow from primary sample to final report – providing a simpler, more cost-effective way for clinical testing to take advantage of NGS technology and improve outcomes.