Functional genomics

Characterising gene function

Our functional genomics approaches leverage our advanced cellular assay platform in primary cells, cultured cell lines, and iPSC-derived cells. We utilise various overexpression methods, including viral vectors, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas-mediated knock-down, knock-out and knock-in techniques. Gene activity modulation through RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 targets individual genes and extends to genome-wide screens in both arrayed and pooled formats. To meet your specific needs in target identification or drug target deconvolution, we provide various readouts, such as proliferation, synthetic lethality, reporter gene activity, cell surface marker expression and high-content assays, as well as bulk and single-cell sequencing. Additionally, we can combine compound high-content assay screens with CRISPR screens to refine the compound target space. We also offer mutation-based approaches, such as mutagenesis by integrated tiles (MITE-seq).

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) services

Our experienced sequencing team offers integrated sequencing services for client projects, from sample to result. We utilise state-of-the-art NGS technology to identify novel targets and analyse the mode-of-action of compounds with unprecedented resolution. Single-cell sequencing is especially effective for measuring exploratory biomarkers in preclinical and clinical studies. Our NGS services are customised to meet your specific needs, including experimental design, professional lab execution, in-house NGS sequencing and tailored bioinformatics analysis — all integrated at our Berlin site. We have extensive experience handling preclinical and clinical (GCP-compliant) samples.

• DNA and RNA isolation services
• Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq)
• Genome sequencing
• Exome sequencing
• Epigenetic profiling
• ChiP-seq
• Methylome-seq
• ATAC-seq
• Ribo-seq
• SLAM-seq
• Amplicon and panel sequencing
• Barcode-seq for CRISPR screening, AAV and LNP tissue distribution
• 10x Genomics single-cell sequencing
• scRNA-seq (3′ and 5′ RNA workflows)
• scATAC-seq
• T- and B-cell receptor profiling
• CITE-seq
• Perturbation-seq (CRISPR ko or CRISPRi combined with single-cell sequencing)
• Custom scAmplicon-seq.

Bioinformatics and omics data analysis

We offer tailored in-house analysis of proprietary, experimental and public biological data by our team of. Our state-of-the-art data science methods, including data mining, integration, multivariate statistics, data visualisation and machine learning, help us achieve consistent scientific excellence. Our goal is to deliver meaningful data by interpreting results within biological and pharmacological contexts. In silico target and indication space evaluation helps predict and rank disease-causing targets, which can be verified through our extensive in vitro assay portfolio. Selected services include: 

• In silico target and indication space evaluation 
• Analysis of cellular screens (CRISPR, RNAi, MITE-seq) 
• Next-generation bulk and single-cell sequencing data analysis as a stand-alone or fully integrated service 
• High-content cellular assay analysis: fully customisable microscopy image analysis at single-cell resolution, single-cell CRISPR screening 
• Large-scale mass-spectrometry data analysis.