Both genomics and genetics deal with the study of DNA. However, they comprise different aspects of DNA research. While genetics investigates heredity, individual genes and their role in disease, genomics is the study of the genome, the entirety of an organism’s genes. By analysing and comparing DNA sequences, genomics identifies variations that can influence drug response, health, and disease. In recent years, the research fields of genomics and genetics are gaining more and more importance since they can provide information about the origin of various diseases and disorders.
Genomic and genetic studies both require methods which can be used to quantify and characterise nucleic acid samples or the expression of genes. These range from simple staining-based DNA quantification methods to advanced genotyping assays. While some require dedicated devices for their performance and analysis, more and more assays become applicable on microplate readers.
DNA samples are often derived from cell cultures designed to study a specific genetic disorder or from affected patients. These samples are either analysed directly or after the amplification of gene sequences of interest for better signal output. Accordingly, knowing the identity and composition of a DNA sample is a central goal in a lot of genomic and genetic studies.
Nucleic acid quantification and quality assessment can be performed with a variety of detection modes and readouts, ranging from absorbance-based measurements to the fluorescence detection of fluorescently-labelled DNA or RNA samples.
Changes in the genetic sequence of samples, e.g. caused by mutations; can be diagnosed by advanced genomic testing. Here, next generation sequencing (NGS) and miniaturised methods for nucleic acid quantification led to a substantial increase in throughput during the past decade. This technology determines the DNA sequence of a sample to identify characteristics resembling known mutations. Accordingly, the accurate and sensitive analysis of DNA and RNA samples is a prerequisite for the optimal performance of NGS.
The emergence of advanced techniques such as SNP genotyping and CRISPR/Cas makes genomic and genetic research more and more accessible to a lot of laboratories. BMG LABTECH´s single- and multi-mode microplate readers offer the ideal measurement platform for this purpose, combining best sensitivity and flexibility.
Reporter genes are another frequently used technique in genomic and genetic studies. By attaching a reporter gene to a regulatory sequence of a gene of interest, target gene expression can be monitored by the introduced marker, e.g. luciferases or a fluorescent protein. This allows the investigation of signal transduction pathways and genetic markers.
Search our resources section for information about specific applications, literature citations, videos, blog articles and many other publications. Many of the resources provided are associated with current and previous instrument models and versions.
Purity assessment of nucleic acids is essential for many downstream applications. Read here how absorbance readouts and pre-installed MARS templates get you there easily.
Quantification of RNA in 10 µl volume? Read here how our CLARIOstar Plus, supported by the Echo® Liquid Handler, quantifies CRISPR RNA with a sample volume of 0.05 µl and a final volume of 10 µl.
Bring nucleic acid quantification to the throughput level of next generation sequencing. Read here how fluorometric DNA/RNA quantification on BMG LABTECH readers simplify your sample preparation.
Read how the combination of Hoechst 33258 and the FLUOstar Omega® enables cost efficient and high-throughput compatible dsDNA quantification.
Read here how the PHERAstar® FSX microplate reader identified small molecule inhibitors of the YEATS domain out of thousands of compounds using an AlphaScreen-based assay.
Learn how to quantify dsDNA with high sensitivity, high sample throughput and minimal required sample volume using the Qubit® dsDNA HS assay and BMG LABTECH microplate readers.
Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for DNA or RNA have made tremendous progress in recent years. Find out how microplate readers can advance the quality control of nucleic acids to facilitate NGS.
This article on gene delivery presents methods being explored to deliver correcting DNA sections to restore target gene expression in patients.
Powerful and most sensitive HTS plate reader
Most flexible Plate Reader for Assay Development
Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows
Upgradeable single and multi-mode microplate reader series
Absorbance plate reader with cuvette port
