KRAS mutations are found in 90% of pancreatic cancer cases and 30% of colorectal cancer cases, making it a gene of great interest to cancer researchers. The Multiplex Kit is able to detect and quantify extremely low levels (down to 0.2%) of KRAS mutant DNA in a single assay. Cancer samples are often available in limited quantities. Using the Multiplex Kit, researchers can derive results from low amounts of starting material.

“The KRAS Screening Multiplex Kit delivers a simple yes/no answer as to whether a KRAS mutation exists in smaller samples,” said Dr. Filip Janku of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. “If researchers were to test for the presence of each possible mutation they could end up performing seven to ten separate PCR experiments only to discover the sample was negative. Multiplex kits such as the KRAS Screening Multiplex Kit allow researchers to screen for multiple mutations in a single reaction, saving time and costly resources.”

Bio-Rad’s ddPCR technology provides an absolute measure of target DNA molecules without the need for a standard curve. Together with the ddPCR KRAS Screening Multiplex Kit, this technology enables detection of a single mutant molecule in a background of 2,000 wild-type molecules (0.05% mutation frequency). Measuring these extremely low levels of mutation abundance could lead to the development of new, less invasive and more sensitive cancer diagnostics.

ddPCR KRAS Screening Multiplex Kits are compatible with all of Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital PCR Systems, including the QX200 AutoDG Droplet Digital PCR System.

For more information on Bio-Rad’s ddPCR KRAS Screening Multiplex Kit, please visit www.bio-rad.com/KRASpr.

Can you see the resemblance?

Granzyme B (GzmB) is a serine protease that is expressed by a variety of cells and cleaves a number of extracellular membrane (ECM) proteins during inflammatory events. The breakdown of the ECM is known to be an indicator of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Thus, Granville and his team hypothesized that inhibiting the activity of GzmB may work to inhibit the breakdown of ECM during the inflammatory process. When Granville exposed GzmB deficient mice to solar-stimulated UV irradiation, they found that degradation of ECM proteins had slowed down which had manifest itself in the lack of development of expected wrinkles. Based on these findings, Granville has proposed that blocking the activity of GzmB may be an effective method for preventing other diseases associated with ECM degradation such as aneurysms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which are caused by the breakdown of collagen and other proteins that provide structure to blood vessels and lung passages.

Reference: Parkinson, L. G., Toro, A., Zhao, H., Brown, K., Tebbutt, S. J. and Granville, D. J. (2014), Granzyme B mediates both direct and indirect cleavage of extracellular matrix in skin after chronic low-dose ultraviolet light irradiation. Aging Cell. doi: 10.1111/acel.12298.

Science is like kayaking on a river, where you were a moment ago is not where you are right now.

“The 2014 Manpei Suzuki International Prize brings tremendous international recognition to the work that we have done for over 25 years, with my trainees and fellow scientists, both at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and at the University of Toronto,” says Dr. Drucker, who is also Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Toronto.“We are honoured that our science has helped in the development of new medications for patients with diabetes, and delighted to have our research achievements recognized by our esteemed colleagues in Japan.”

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The S3e Cell Sorter’s simple setup and walk-away automation allow researchers to sort cells in their own labs.

Bio-Rad Laboratories announced the launch of its S3e Cell Sorter that offers walk-away automation for accurate and reliable cell sorts of one or two populations.

The S3e Cell Sorter builds on the original S3 Cell Sorter technology with the addition of the new AutoGimbal System. This novel automated system perfectly aligns the nozzle tip and stream to the optics, eliminating the need for manual repositioning. The AutoGimbal System makes these fine adjustments using five motorized controllers. Researchers can now be more confident that their system is set up correctly every time.

Traditionally, researchers have sorted cells at a core lab due to high instrument and operating costs, as well as the need for a trained core staff specialist to help run the sort. The arrival of the affordable and first walk-away S3e Cell Sorter enables labs to have their own personal cell sorter. The simple setup and hands-free calibration eliminate the pain points of typical high-end instruments, making cell sorting easier and accessible to researchers who are increasingly using these instruments for low-complexity sorts.

Additional benefits of the S3e Cell Sorter include:

• Simplified setup — fully automated drop delay calculation and droplet break-off monitoring enable precise sorting with minimal training
• Small benchtop footprint — onboard fluidics and temperature control allow a compact size (2.3 x 2.1 x 2.1 ft)
• Two-way cell sorting — sort two different defined populations at the same time with one or two lasers and up to four fluorescent detectors
• High speed and high purity — sort cells quickly while maintaining high sensitivity and purity

For more information, please visit www.bio-rad/S3ePR for the S3e and other available Bio-Rad cell sorters.