Study Overview
We verify the effects of pharmaceuticals and functional foods through biomarker analysis using human and animal-derived biological samples and cell culture supernatants.
Biomarkers are biological molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, hormones, lymphocytes, DNA, and RNA that can indicate biological conditions such as disease, immunity, and metabolism as concentrations or expression levels. Measuring changes in biomarkers makes it possible to analyze the effects of pharmaceuticals and functional foods on the body.
ACEL offers comprehensive biomarker analysis contract services through the analysis of protein, gene, and cellular characteristics using a variety of equipment.
We can also provide reliable measurements, propose related cell-based assays, and introduce partner companies for human clinical trials.
Example: Analysis using human blood samples
Main service contents
At ACEL, we provide optimal biomarker analysis services tailored to our customers’ objectives, utilizing a variety of analytical technologies, including traditional ELISA and real-time RT-PCR analysis.
Highly sensitive biomarker analysis
High-sensitivity ECL immunoassays measure changes in minute amounts of biomarkers, such as cytokines and chemokines, in serum and plasma derived from healthy individuals and patients with various diseases.
We also support high-precision measurement of biomarkers that cannot be detected by conventional ELISA methods, and multiplex analysis with small sample volumes. We will propose the optimal measurement method to suit your needs.
Analysis example
- Highly sensitive measurement of type I interferon (IFN-α, IFN-β, etc.) and Th1/Th2 cytokine concentrations in serum from healthy individuals before and after the ingestion of functional food ingredients.
- Highly sensitive measurement of myokines, metabolic factors, and cartilage synthesis markers in serum before and after the ingestion of functional food ingredients.
- Highly sensitive measurement of inflammatory disease-related factors, neurodegeneration-related factors, angiogenesis-related factors, and metabolic factors associated with various diseases.
Multiplex immunoassay
We offer analytical services that allow for the simultaneous measurement of multiple biomarkers from small samples (such as tens of μL of plasma/serum).
Simultaneous measurement of dozens of biomarkers from small specimens is possible, allowing for the flexible combination of hundreds of diverse analytical items. This is useful for screening tests aimed at identifying and profiling biomarkers, as well as related cell tests.
Analysis example
- Comprehensive analysis of biomarkers such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, myokines, and hormones related to the effects of functional food ingredients and pharmaceuticals, and disease.
- Comprehensive analysis of cytokines, chemokines, and other biomarkers in culture supernatants of PBMCs treated with functional food ingredients and pharmaceuticals.
Functional analysis of immune cells using flow cytometry
The effects of pharmaceuticals and functional foods on immune cell function are measured using flow cytometry.
Multicolor analysis (13 colors) and multi-analyte analysis (96-well plate loader) are supported.
Analysis example
- Measurement of pDC (plasmacytoid dendritic cell) and cDC activity before and after ingestion of functional food ingredients
- Measurement of TBNK subset composition, activity changes, and phagocytic activity before and after ingestion of functional food ingredients
- Measurement of immune cell subset composition and activity changes related to the therapeutic effects of pharmaceuticals
RNA biomarker analysis
We identify and profile RNA-based drug response biomarkers through next-generation sequencing such as RNA-seq and RNA biomarker analysis using microarray technology.
For RNA biomarker analysis, we prepare RNA samples in-house, and RNA-seq and microarray analysis are performed at an external partner laboratory.
Analysis example
- RNA biomarker analysis of PBMCs before and after the ingestion of functional food ingredients
- Identification and analysis of RNA markers related to disease and drug response
- Small RNA-seq analysis of exosomal miRNAs
- Profiling of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Proteome analysis with Olink
Proteome analysis will be performed using Olink’s PEA.
In other words, it comprehensively quantifies proteins in biological samples.
Acceptable specimens
We may be able to provide samples other than those listed below, so please feel free to contact us.
Biological samples derived from various animals
- Plasma
- Serum
- PBMC
- Urine
- Various organizations
Various cell culture supernatants and cell lysates
Important Notes
Please contact us in advance as we may not be able to accept highly infectious samples (such as samples from patients confirmed to be infected with HIV, HCV, HBV, etc.).
For human-derived samples, please obtain informed consent before providing them. We also ask that you anonymize the samples so that personal information cannot be identified.
