PRECEDE Biomarkers Lab Service Center

Promoting Resilience through Emerging Clinical and Evolving Determinants of Equity (PRECEDE) Biomarkers Laboratory

Overview of Services

Dr. Gill’s Research Laboratory:
Blood based biomarkers to be analyzed will be undertaken by Dr. Gill who is a Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Her laboratory is approximately 1,800 square and is located in the School of Nursing. In her laboratory there are 3 full-time investigators, including a laboratory manager, as well as up to 4 fellows each year. Her lab has all the necessary equipment to function as a molecular biological laboratory, including centrifuges, a biological safety cabinet, balances, freezers and refrigerators. Freezers for sample storage are under freezer monitory systems and are fully functional and available for study samples.

Olink Technology:
Olink technology is a high-throughput proteomics platform that uses Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology to enable precise, multiplex protein biomarker analysis. By employing dual antibody binding and DNA-based detection, it offers high specificity and sensitivity, even in complex biological samples like plasma and serum. Olink’s applications span biomarker discovery, disease mechanism studies, and therapeutic development, with a focus on gaining insights into areas such as oncology, neurology, cardiovascular, and immunology. Its quantitative, reproducible data empowers researchers to identify and validate protein signatures across diverse disease states, advancing precision medicine and translational research.

Assays Available: Explore HT, Reveal, Target 48, Target 96, Flex, and Focus

Explore HT and Reveal assay kits utilize the NGS, while Target, Flex, and Focus use the Olink Signature Q100 for data generation. Equipment and Technology: PCR hood, F.A.S.T, Dragonfly, ProFlex PCR system, Verti96wThermocycler, Agilent Tapestation 4200, Olink Signature Q100

Quanterix HD-X and SP-X Technology:

The Simoa HD-X Analyzer is used for detecting proteins within the detections needed in peripheral samples of blood, sweat, and other biological samples.   The kits and other reagents are only available from the Quanterix. Protein biomarker measurement is performed on the Simoa HD-X which allows for multiplex detection at single protein molecule level. Allows for detection of thousands of single protein molecules simultaneously using the same reagents as the current standard method for detecting proteins, ELISA. Single protein molecules are captured and labeled on beads using standard ELISA reagents. The Simoa HD-X Analyzer uses arrays of femtoliter-sized reaction chambers that can isolate and detect single enzyme molecules. After fluorescent labeling of the proteins, The Simoa HD-X Analyzer enables protein concentrations to be determined digitally rather than by using the total analog signal, called digital ELISA. By isolating and detecting single immunocomplexes in arrays of femtoliter-volume wells, digital ELISA enables clinically important proteins in serum to be measured at sub femtomolar concentrations that allows peripheral samples of blood to approximate central activity of neuropeptides.

THe Simoa SP-X imaging and analysis system is used for detecting proteins within peripheral samples of blood, sweat, and other biological samples.   The kits and other reagents are only available from Quanterix. The Corplex 10 kits allow for 10 biomarker measurements at once using their kits and instrumentation. It uses planar immunoassay technology with an ultrasensitive multiplexing platform.  Proprietary high-precision digital nanofluidic antibody deposition technology to provide surface chemistry optimization, with low background noise and excellent assay precision and accuracy.  Uses a unique spot design on the plates with capture antibodies per analyte, making it possible to perform up to a 10-plex assay in any well, saving sample volume, time, and cost.  The Simoa planar approach utilizes the unique shaking protocols with an efficient vortex style interactions to improve collisions between target analytes and the capture antibodies within the plate forming antibody/antigen complexes, providing exquisite assay sensitivity.  The clinical use of protein biomarkers to differentiate between healthy and disease states, and to monitor disease progression, requires the measurement of low concentrations of proteins in serum, plasma, and other biological fluids such as sweat and CSF. Current immunoassays typically measure proteins at concentrations above 10-12 M. The ability to detect low abundance proteins in biological fluids like serum/plasma/sweat/csf has the potential to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and PCS as well as other traumas.

Quanterix HD-X and SP-X Assay Kits Available:

Multiple are available, please fill out a consultation request and inquire within for pricing.

At The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, our engagement model is structured as a fee-for-service arrangement. As such, we do not require a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) for the work conducted under this framework. This approach enables us to efficiently navigate and streamline the process and helps us provide a seamless experience for our partners.  We look forward to collaborating with you in a mutually beneficial manner.

Leadership

Chelsea Wagner

Lab Director

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

https://nursing.jhu.edu/faculty-research/research/centers/precede-biomarkers-laboratory/

Contacts