Study Overview
We study the effects of medicines and health foods by testing samples from humans, animals, and cultured cells.
Biomarkers are substances in the body that can show health conditions such as illness, immune response, or metabolism. Examples include proteins, genes, and certain cells. By measuring changes in these markers, we can better understand how medicines and health foods affect the body.
ACEL provides a wide range of biomarker testing services using different types of analysis equipment. We analyze proteins, genes, and cells to support research and product development.
We can also provide reliable testing, suggest suitable cell-based tests, and introduce partner companies that conduct human clinical studies.
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 tests can detect very small changes in biomarkers such as cytokines and chemokines in blood samples from healthy people and patients with different diseases.
We can also measure biomarkers that are difficult to detect with standard ELISA methods. In addition, we can measure multiple biomarkers at the same time using only a small amount of sample. We will suggest the best testing method based on your research 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 provide testing services that can measure many biomarkers at the same time using only a small amount of sample, such as a small volume of blood plasma or serum.
It is possible to measure dozens of biomarkers from a very small sample and choose from hundreds of different testing items as needed. This service is useful for finding important biomarkers, understanding their patterns, and performing related cell-based 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
We use flow cytometry to study how medicines and health foods affect the function of immune cells.
We can analyze many targets at the same time and also handle a large number of samples efficiently using an automated plate system.
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 study RNA markers related to drug responses using advanced gene analysis methods such as RNA sequencing and microarray analysis.
For RNA biomarker studies, we prepare the RNA samples in-house, while the RNA sequencing and microarray testing are carried out by our 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
We perform protein analysis using Olink’s PEA technology.
In simple terms, this method allows us to measure many different proteins in biological samples at the same time.
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.
